The transition from a Higher National Diploma (HND) candidate to a participant in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a Nigerian graduate. Recognizing the complexities involved in this transition, the Management has officially scheduled a comprehensive Pre-Mobilization Briefing for all prospective corps members. This briefing is designed to serve as an authoritative guide, providing students with the technical knowledge and administrative clarity required to navigate the federal mobilization process without hitches.

National service is more than a civic duty; it is a legal requirement for employment in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. However, the path from the classroom to the orientation camp is paved with rigorous documentation, data synchronization, and strict deadlines. The upcoming session is, therefore, the most critical preparatory event for students nearing the completion of their studies.

Schedule and Mandatory Participation

The management has designated a specific time and venue for this exercise to ensure maximum reach and effective communication.

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Venue: Owamiran Hall

Time: 10:00 am Prompt

It is imperative to note that attendance is strictly mandatory for all HND I and HND II students. While HND II students are the immediate beneficiaries of the mobilization exercise, the inclusion of HND I students is a proactive measure. By attending now, HND I students will gain an early understanding of the documentation they must maintain and the academic standards they must uphold to ensure their eventual mobilization is seamless. The Management warns that attendance will be recorded, and any student absent without a documented and approved medical or administrative reason may face significant delays in their mobilization.

Understanding the NYSC Mobilization Lifecycle

The briefing at Owamiran Hall will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the NYSC “Mobilization Lifecycle.” This process begins long before a student leaves the campus and continues until they receive their posting to a state of service.

1. The Senate/Academic Board Approved List

The foundation of mobilization is the “Senate List” (or Academic Board list for Polytechnics). This is the official document uploaded by the institution to the NYSC portal containing the names of all qualified graduates. The briefing will explain how students can verify if their names have been correctly uploaded and what to do if they find discrepancies in their data.

2. Online Registration and Biometrics

The NYSC has moved to a fully digital registration system. During the briefing, officials will discuss the importance of biometric verification. Students must understand that their thumbprints act as their digital signature throughout the service year. Information will also be provided on how to handle the selection of “States of Origin” and “States Visited” to avoid being flagged by the system for inconsistency.

3. The “Green Card” and “Call-up Letter”

Many students are often confused by the terminology of the NYSC. The briefing will clarify that the Green Card is the summary of your online registration, which must be printed and signed, while the Call-up Letter is the final document that reveals your State of Deployment and the date you are expected to report to the orientation camp.

Critical Documentation and Data Reconciliation

One of the primary reasons students fail to be mobilized with their peers is the issue of “Data Mismatch.” This occurs when information on one official document does not align with another. The session on February 18th will focus heavily on reconciling these records.

JAMB Regularization and Admission Letters

The NYSC portal is directly integrated with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). If a student’s admission was not properly regularized or if their name on the JAMB portal differs from the institution’s records, the NYSC system will reject the mobilization request. Students will be taught how to check their “JAMB Matriculation List” status to ensure they are “mobilization-ready.”

O’Level Results and Date of Birth

The NYSC is particularly strict regarding the age of 30. Anyone who graduates at or above the age of 30 is issued a Certificate of Exemption rather than being deployed for active service. The briefing will address how the NYSC calculates age based on the date of birth provided during the first registration with JAMB or WAEC/NECO. Students will be cautioned that once a date of birth is submitted on the NYSC portal, it is virtually impossible to change.

The Consequences of Non-Attendance

The Management’s directive that this briefing is mandatory is not an empty threat. Failure to attend has real-world implications:

• Inaccurate Registration: Students who miss the briefing often make avoidable errors during online registration, such as choosing the wrong “Course of Study,” which can lead to being sent back from the orientation camp.

• Missing Deadlines: The NYSC operates on a very tight national calendar. The briefing will reveal the specific internal deadlines the school has set for data verification. Missing these internal deadlines means missing the entire service batch.

• Legal and Professional Delays: For graduates in professional fields, the inability to serve (or receive an exemption) can delay professional licensing and the start of a career.

What to Bring to the Briefing

While this is an information session, students are advised to come prepared as if it were a formal administrative screening. Having your details at hand will allow you to ask specific, relevant questions during the Q&A session.

1. A Copy of Your JAMB Admission Letter: To verify your name sequence.

2. Student Identity Card: For attendance verification at the entrance of Owamiran Hall.

3. A Dedicated Notebook: To record the specific portal links, contact numbers for the Student Affairs NYSC desk, and the schedule for the next phases of mobilization.

4. Evidence of Regularization (if applicable): If you recently concluded a JAMB regularization process, bring the proof of payment or the indemnity form.

Preparing for Life in the Orientation Camp

Beyond the paperwork, the briefing will touch upon the physical and mental preparation for the 21-day orientation camp. Prospective corps members will receive advice on the mandatory Medical Certificate of Fitness. The NYSC only accepts certificates from Government or Military hospitals (General Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, or University Teaching Hospitals). Detailed information on the required tests—including genotype, blood group, and chest X-rays—will be provided to ensure students do not present invalid medical documents.

Conclusion: Punctuality and Professionalism

The Office of Student Affairs remains committed to ensuring that every eligible HND graduate from this institution is successfully mobilized for national service. However, this success is a partnership between the administration and the student. By arriving at Owamiran Hall by 10:00 am on February 18th, you are taking the first proactive step toward your service year.

Punctuality is not merely a request; it is a test of the discipline required for the paramilitary nature of the NYSC. Ensure you are seated early, prepared to learn, and ready to secure your future as a proud member of the National Youth Service Corps.