JAMB Clears the Air on HND Graduates’ NYSC Mobilization Controversy
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed recent concerns from Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates who have criticized the board for their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
JAMB clarified that it does not influence or manage the admissions process for HND programs and thus should not be held responsible for any NYSC mobilization issues. In a statement issued on Monday by spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized that its responsibilities are confined to overseeing undergraduate admissions and the National Diploma and Nigerian Certificate in Education programs.
The board responded to claims from graduates who allege they were excluded from NYSC due to completing their Ordinary National Diploma (OND) through part-time studies, despite pursuing their HND full-time. JAMB refuted these claims, stating that its legal mandate, as defined in Section 5(2) of its establishing law, is restricted to determining matriculation requirements and conducting admissions exams for undergraduate and National Diploma programs.
The statement read: “JAMB wants to address recent accusations from HND graduates who wrongly blame us for their NYSC ineligibility. It is crucial to understand that JAMB has no involvement in HND admissions. Allegations that JAMB’s involvement in OND part-time studies affects HND mobilization are unfounded. According to Section 5(2) of our founding legislation, our role is limited to undergraduate admissions and National Diploma programs. We have no jurisdiction over postgraduate admissions or HND processes.
The board noted that many students entered National Diploma programs independently of JAMB’s oversight, and JAMB’s role ended with the endorsement of these admissions. The board’s responsibility does not extend to HND admissions, and accusations against it for these issues are misplaced. Some claims have bordered on misconduct, which the board plans to address accordingly.
JAMB urges the public to disregard these baseless accusations and understand that such matters fall outside the board’s jurisdiction.”
