The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed recent claims from Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates who have expressed frustration over their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. The board emphasized that it should not be held responsible for these candidates’ inability to participate in the mandatory scheme.
In a statement issued on Monday by JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, the board clarified that it has no authority or control over the admissions process for HND candidates. Benjamin explained that JAMB’s involvement is limited to determining matriculation requirements and conducting examinations for undergraduate admissions, including those for National Diploma (ND) and Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programs.
The statement addressed claims from some HND graduates who argued that their inability to participate in the NYSC was due to JAMB’s actions. These individuals contended that while they pursued an HND full-time, they had done their ND part-time, leading to their non-mobilization for NYSC. The board clarified that such matters fall outside its jurisdiction, as outlined in Section 5(2) of the law that established JAMB.
JAMB’s role does not extend to postgraduate admissions or any selective processes beyond undergraduate programs. The board noted that its interaction with these candidates was limited to endorsing their ND admissions, which was within its purview, but it had no involvement in their subsequent HND admissions.
The statement also warned that accusations against JAMB regarding issues outside its mandate are unfounded and suggested that some complaints have crossed into unacceptable territory, which the board intends to address appropriately.
WRITTEN BY; CHRISTOPHER AND SUNITA