NYSC

HND Graduates vs NYSC: The ₦77,000 Battle of Wits!

Are HND graduates really ready to battle it out over the NYSC? Find out how a proposed exclusion and a juicy N77,000 allowance are stirring the pot!

In the heart of Nigeria, a spirited showdown is unfolding as Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates protest against a proposed exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The protests erupted right at the NYSC secretariat in Lagos State, coinciding with the registration for the second stream of Batch C mobilization. These graduates, who have previously completed part-time National Diploma programs, took to the streets with placards proclaiming "Say No To Exclusion," making it clear they want their voices to be heard in the ongoing debate.

Meanwhile, the NYSC is not sitting idle either. Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, has been reassuring corps members that exciting changes are on the way. With a grin on his face, he announced that corps members are set to receive a monthly allowance of ₦77,000 soon, aligning with the newly approved national minimum wage. This has certainly raised the morale among existing NYSC members, as they drool over the prospect of a fatter paycheck, which is a significant jump from the previous ₦33,000.

Touched by the recent protests, General Ahmed made it clear that the NYSC is committed to looking after its corps members’ welfare. He emphasized that arrangements to facilitate the payment of the new allowance are actively underway. As anticipation builds, there’s optimism among many that not only will their bank accounts be healthier, but the contributions of corps members will also be recognized and rewarded.

As these two narratives brew—protests and paychecks—it's important to remember that HND graduates have long advocated for equal treatment in the NYSC scheme. In 2020, the allowance was only ₦19,800 before it increased to ₦33,000 following a new minimum wage law. Hence, the fight for fair treatment and decent earnings is not just a trend; it's an enduring saga in the quest for equal opportunities in Nigeria’s educational and professional landscape.