Choosing Wisely: Part-Time Programs and NYSC Service

She contacted me on behalf of her brother, who was considering seeking daily part-time admission into Osun State Polytechnic Iree. The lady asked if a Daily Part-Time (DPT) graduate of Iree Poly would serve in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In her case, the lady was a university graduate and had her BSC on a full-time basis. She knew that part-time graduates typically wouldn't serve in the NYSC. Despite this, the brother insisted on obtaining this DPT form, prompting the lady to inquire if NYSC would be assured after participating in such a program in polytechnics.

In this post, I will share my chats with her. If you're in the same situation, you'll find answers and related information.

It's True Part-Time Graduates Won't Serve

Irrespective of the school, be it a university or polytechnic, if you're a graduate (HND or BSC holder) of a part-time program, you won't be mobilized for NYSC.

So, the sister contacting me was right. But she still didn't grasp a few details.

There is a difference between Daily Part-Time and Weekend Part-Time. Daily Part-Time students attend classes from Monday to Friday like their full-time counterparts, while Weekend Part-Time students only attend classes on weekends (usually Friday to Saturday), or sometimes online.

This is where the difference emerges: if you're a Daily Part-Time graduate, you'll serve. If you're a Weekend Part-Time graduate, you won't.

However, some schools run distance learning programs (mainly Weekend Part-Time), yet they mobilize their graduates if they're within the service age. For example, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso Distance Learning Center, University of Ibadan Distance Learning, etc.

But to avoid confusion, it's safe to say that if you pursue your polytechnic education on a Daily Part-Time basis, you will serve. If it's on weekend programs, you may not.

ND Daily Part-Time is Not Even a Graduate

Another misunderstanding by the lady who contacted me was that unlike the university system, where you run your program from 100 level uninterruptedly up to 400 or 500 level (depending on the duration of the course), in polytechnics, your program is divided into two - the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).

The brother she was making the inquiry for was only trying to enter the ND program. After two years, he will be done with that, yet he is not a graduate at this level and could not be mobilized for NYSC as an ND holder.

To be qualified for NYSC, he has to proceed to HND (or consider Direct Entry admission to a university). However, I'm not sure if any polytechnic still offers HND on a part-time basis - be it Daily Part-Time or Weekend Part-Time. This is why ND holders who pursue Daily Part-Time often consider HND on a full-time basis instead.

In other words, even if there is Daily Part-Time HND, it's not advisable to pursue that if you want to go for NYSC. Since it's allowed to use your ND DPT result to seek HND admission on a full-time basis, you'd better take that route so you can serve with NYSC.

Of course, unless you're only a graduate, you're not ready for mobilization after NYSC. And since you'll graduate with HND full-time, you'll serve. If, however, you opt for HND on Daily Part-Time or Weekend Part-Time, you may not be qualified for NYSC.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of part-time programs and their implications for NYSC mobilization requires a clear understanding of the distinctions between daily and weekend part-time studies. The inquisitive sister's concern regarding her brother's potential admission to Osun State Polytechnic Iree sheds light on the importance of informed decision-making. 

It is evident that, regardless of the institution, graduates of part-time programs face specific considerations, especially in relation to NYSC eligibility. As education pathways vary, this discussion emphasizes the necessity of choosing wisely between daily and weekend part-time options and underscores the significance of advancing to an HND program for those aspiring to the NYSC.

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