Clarification on JAMB’s Role
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that it is not responsible for the non-mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This announcement comes amid ongoing concerns from polytechnic graduates regarding their eligibility for the NYSC.
According to JAMB, the responsibility for admitting students into HND programs lies with the polytechnics themselves. “The Board is not responsible for admitting HND students into polytechnics and, therefore, has no data to facilitate their entry into the NYSC scheme,” said Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB.
JAMB primarily conducts entrance examinations and manages admissions into tertiary institutions through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). The eligibility for mobilization into the NYSC is determined by relevant authorities, not JAMB, which does not admit candidates into HND programs.
There have been longstanding complaints by polytechnic graduates over difficulties with NYSC mobilization for HND holders. Some polytechnics have reportedly conducted illegal admissions, leading to discrepancies in records that complicate the mobilization process.
In the context of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), JAMB has registered a total of 2,243,816 candidates, with significant numbers from Lagos (321,814), Kaduna (303,498), and the Federal Capital Territory (302,963). This reflects a robust engagement in the examination process despite the challenges faced by HND graduates.
JAMB has also remitted ₦1.57 billion to accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2026 UTME registration exercise, with a registration service charge of ₦700 per candidate. However, some CBT operators have expressed concerns that this fee no longer reflects the actual cost of delivering the service, citing increases in operational costs.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized the importance of proper processes in admissions, stating, “If institutions follow the proper process, there would be no problem. On our part, we will continue to render quality service beneficial to all stakeholders. Let’s do things properly.”
Looking ahead, observers are keen to see how these clarifications will impact the mobilization of HND graduates and whether measures will be taken to address the ongoing issues. Details remain unconfirmed.