JAMB Urges Polytechnic Graduates to Address NYSC Mobilization Grievances to the Right Authorities 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised polytechnic graduates facing issues with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation to direct their concerns to the appropriate authorities, not JAMB. 

JAMB’s Clarification on NYSC Mobilization 

During a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) at JAMB headquarters in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that JAMB is not involved in the mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) students for the NYSC. He emphasized that JAMB is responsible only for admissions into universities, National Diploma (ND), and Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programms, not HND programmes You are addressing the wrong body,” Oloyede said. “JAMB’s role ends with ND admissions. HND admissions are handled by individual institutions.” 

Issues with Part-Time Programmes 

Prof. Oloyede also addressed concerns about part-time programmes, explaining that his previous criticisms were directed at “Daily Part-Time” schemes that exploit students. He blamed some challenges on institutions admitting students beyond the capacity approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He noted that this leads to overcrowded classes, making it difficult for students to receive quality education. 

You are wasting your time talking to someone who is not involved in the matter. If something affects you, the first step is to identify the root cause so that you don’t apply the wrong solution to a problem that does not exist. — Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar 

Investigating the Root Cause 

Oloyede urged NAPS to investigate the root cause of the non-mobilization issue rather than blaming JAMB. He pointed out that some of the problems stem from inconsistencies between the ND and HND programms, especially when students switch institutions. Study the problem in detail, and you’ll find the solution, he advised. 

Allegations of Extortion 

Responding to allegations of extortion by JAMB officials in the South-South zone, Oloyede disclosed that an investigation was already underway based on an anonymous petition. He called on students to come forward with evidence if they experienced extortion, assuring that any corrupt staff members would be punished. Finally, Oloyede revealed that JAMB is considering reducing physical contact with candidates due to concerns about underage candidates and potential exploitation, opting for more online interactions for transparency. The NAPS leadership expressed satisfaction with the explanations and committed to working with the proper authorities to resolve the mobilization issue. 

In addressing the concerns of polytechnic graduates regarding NYSC mobilization, JAMB has made it clear that the responsibility lies with the institutions and not the Board. Polytechnic students are urged to direct their grievances to the appropriate authorities while conducting a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of the issue. JAMB remains committed to transparency and integrity, encouraging any evidence of misconduct to be reported for proper action. The leadership of NAPS has pledged to collaborate with the right bodies to ensure that the mobilization challenges are resolved efficiently.