The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp opened across the country yesterday, but some Polytechnic graduates with Higher National Diplomas (HND) were sent back due to the lack of Industrial Training (IT) certification.
This development follows the introduction of a new NYSC policy that mandates IT certification for those seeking to fulfill their national service obligations. As a result, the screening process for certain HND graduates has been halted.
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NYSC had announced that HND graduates must provide evidence of completing their one-year mandatory IT certificate before being registered in their respective camps.
This policy affects graduates of polytechnics and monotechnics mobilized for Batch B Stream II, who are now required to present proof of their IT completion to participate in the orientation camp.
During a visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, our correspondent observed that registration was proceeding smoothly for corps members who had all the required documents.
However, some corps members who were turned away due to the lack of an IT certificate expressed their frustration. They explained that despite completing their degrees and being ready to serve the country, they found themselves excluded because of this documentation requirement. These individuals expressed hope for a resolution that would allow them to fulfill their service obligations without being penalized for unforeseen gaps in their documentation.
One anonymous corps member described the process as poorly timed, noting that their peers were already serving without facing this hurdle. “They are asking for the IT certificate; once you present it and other documents, they ask you to proceed with the registration. The requirement has led to frustration among some corps members. Most of the corps members without the IT certificate are frustrated, as you can see some of them there,” she said.
A nursing mother, Mrs. Hauwa Collins, who arrived early in the morning to register, commented on the transparency of the process for those with all necessary documents. “I arrived at the camp before 10 a.m. When the screening started, I was asked to present my IT certificate, age declaration, and other documents. They did not waste time after verifying all the records. I have collected my kits now and I am about to finish the registration.
“But some of our colleagues are frustrated. I met one woman who came from Kaduna and is upset because she was screened out,” she added.
At the time of this report, corps members were still arriving at the camp, and the fate of those without IT certification remains uncertain. Our reporter was unable to obtain further details due to tight security checks that prevented non-corps members from entering the camp.
