JAMB Not To Blame For HND Graduates’ NYSC Exclusion, Board Insists

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has categorically denied any involvement in the inability of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This clarification comes amidst allegations by some HND graduates that JAMB was responsible for their exclusion from the mandatory one-year service.

In a statement released on Monday by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board stressed its lack of authority and control over HND admissions. “It is essential to stress that JAMB has no role, authority, or influence over the admissions process for HND candidates,” the statement read.

JAMB cited Section 5(2) of its enabling law, which clearly defines its mandate as determining matriculation requirements and conducting examinations for undergraduate admissions, as well as National Diploma and Nigerian Certificate in Education courses. The board reiterated that it has no responsibility for examinations or selective processes for postgraduate courses or other programs offered by tertiary institutions.

The statement further explained that some HND graduates were admitted to National Diploma programs without JAMB’s knowledge, and the board’s only involvement was condoning and endorsing those admissions. “Their subsequent admission to HND is unknown and irrelevant to the mandate of the Board,” the statement emphasized.

JAMB urged the public to disregard the accusations, warning that some individuals had crossed the line into criminality, which the board would address appropriately.