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 complaints from polytechnic graduates regarding their difficulties in the mobilization process.
According to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the JAMB registrar, “The Board is not responsible for admitting HND students into polytechnics and, therefore, has no data to facilitate their entry into the NYSC scheme.” This statement underscores the fact that eligibility for NYSC mobilization is determined by relevant authorities, not JAMB.
JAMB primarily conducts entrance examinations and manages admissions into tertiary institutions through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). It does not admit candidates into HND programmes, which are the responsibility of individual polytechnics.
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 recent 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), JAMB registered a total of 2,243,816 candidates, with significant numbers from various states, including 321,814 from Lagos and 303,498 from Kaduna. JAMB has also created 1,000 examination centres for the 2026 UTME.
Furthermore, JAMB remitted ₦1.57 billion to accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the registration exercise, with a service charge of ₦700 per candidate. However, CBT operators have expressed concerns that this fee no longer reflects the actual cost of delivering the service, citing rising costs of diesel and internet.
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.”
As JAMB continues to navigate these challenges, observers are keenly watching how the situation will evolve, particularly regarding the mobilization of HND graduates for the NYSC. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes or interventions that may be implemented to address these ongoing issues.