Graduates of Graceland Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, have raised serious concerns over alleged irregular admissions and accreditation failures that have left many National Diploma (ND) holders stranded years after completing their studies.

One of the affected graduates, a Mass Communication student who graduated with a Distinction and a CGPA of 3.72 in 2022, told SaharaReporters that his years of academic dedication ended in shock after he discovered that his admission was never officially recognised.

According to him, he had expected to seamlessly progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND) programme or gain Direct Entry admission into a university, like many ND graduates.

“I believed my academic performance had earned me a future,” he said. “I endured sleepless nights, financial struggles, overcrowded hostels, and menial jobs, all with the hope of advancing my education.”

That hope collapsed when he visited the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office in Ilorin to process his Direct Entry application.

“They told me plainly that I was never admitted by JAMB,” he recalled. “My name was not on CAPS or any official admission platform.”

He explained that Graceland Polytechnic’s management had earlier directed him to JAMB for admission regularisation. However, JAMB officials reportedly informed him that the institution never uploaded his admission details for validation and advised him to return to the school.

Efforts to seek clarification from his Head of Department and the institution’s ICT unit yielded no solution, plunging him into despair and forcing him to abandon plans for further education.

Similar stories emerged from other departments. A graduate of Mass Communication, identified as Stephen, said the unresolved admission crisis had completely stalled his future.

“I don’t even know where to start anymore,” he said. “Everything has been on hold for years.”

Another graduate, Kenny, said he had given up on academics entirely after realising his ND certificate was not recognised, choosing instead to focus on business.

Graduates from the Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) department also alleged that accreditation for their programme was only granted after some students had already graduated or attempted to move on, rendering their certificates ineffective for further studies.

Several former students described the institution as having wasted their time, finances, and emotional well-being. Some warned prospective students to avoid the school altogether rather than endure what they described as years of false assurances.

Graceland Polytechnic, founded in 2013 and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 2019, was advertised as a credible institution offering programmes such as Mass Communication, SLT, Accountancy, and Computer Science.

However, students alleged that despite repeated assurances from management that these courses were fully accredited, they later discovered—by 2022—that several programmes lacked accreditation. Requests for clarification were allegedly met with vague responses, even as students continued paying tuition and other mandatory fees.

A leaked audio recording reportedly captured a former Head of Department advising students to abandon hopes of HND or Direct Entry admission, suggesting they use their ND certificates only for employment and reapply through JAMB if they wished to pursue higher education.

When contacted, the Registrar of Graceland Polytechnic confirmed that accreditation for some affected programmes was only secured in early 2025 and does not cover students who graduated in earlier years. He described the situation as a problem inherited from previous management while acknowledging the hardship faced by students.

For the affected graduates, the issue goes beyond administrative lapses.

“This is about stolen years, broken trust, wasted money, and futures put on hold,” one graduate said.

They are now calling on regulatory authorities to investigate the institution and hold those responsible accountable, warning that without urgent intervention, more young Nigerians may fall victim to what they describe as an education scam disguised as opportunity.Graduates of Graceland Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, have raised serious concerns over alleged irregular admissions and accreditation failures that have left many National Diploma (ND) holders stranded years after completing their studies.

One of the affected graduates, a Mass Communication student who graduated with a Distinction and a CGPA of 3.72 in 2022, told SaharaReporters that his years of academic dedication ended in shock after he discovered that his admission was never officially recognised.

According to him, he had expected to seamlessly progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND) programme or gain Direct Entry admission into a university, like many ND graduates.

“I believed my academic performance had earned me a future,” he said. “I endured sleepless nights, financial struggles, overcrowded hostels, and menial jobs, all with the hope of advancing my education.”

That hope collapsed when he visited the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office in Ilorin to process his Direct Entry application.

“They told me plainly that I was never admitted by JAMB,” he recalled. “My name was not on CAPS or any official admission platform.”

He explained that Graceland Polytechnic’s management had earlier directed him to JAMB for admission regularisation. However, JAMB officials reportedly informed him that the institution never uploaded his admission details for validation and advised him to return to the school.

Efforts to seek clarification from his Head of Department and the institution’s ICT unit yielded no solution, plunging him into despair and forcing him to abandon plans for further education.

Similar stories emerged from other departments. A graduate of Mass Communication, identified as Stephen, said the unresolved admission crisis had completely stalled his future.

“I don’t even know where to start anymore,” he said. “Everything has been on hold for years.”

Another graduate, Kenny, said he had given up on academics entirely after realising his ND certificate was not recognised, choosing instead to focus on business.

Graduates from the Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) department also alleged that accreditation for their programme was only granted after some students had already graduated or attempted to move on, rendering their certificates ineffective for further studies.

Several former students described the institution as having wasted their time, finances, and emotional well-being. Some warned prospective students to avoid the school altogether rather than endure what they described as years of false assurances.

Graceland Polytechnic, founded in 2013 and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 2019, was advertised as a credible institution offering programmes such as Mass Communication, SLT, Accountancy, and Computer Science.

However, students alleged that despite repeated assurances from management that these courses were fully accredited, they later discovered—by 2022—that several programmes lacked accreditation. Requests for clarification were allegedly met with vague responses, even as students continued paying tuition and other mandatory fees.

A leaked audio recording reportedly captured a former Head of Department advising students to abandon hopes of HND or Direct Entry admission, suggesting they use their ND certificates only for employment and reapply through JAMB if they wished to pursue higher education.

When contacted, the Registrar of Graceland Polytechnic confirmed that accreditation for some affected programmes was only secured in early 2025 and does not cover students who graduated in earlier years. He described the situation as a problem inherited from previous management while acknowledging the hardship faced by students.

For the affected graduates, the issue goes beyond administrative lapses.

“This is about stolen years, broken trust, wasted money, and futures put on hold,” one graduate said.

They are now calling on regulatory authorities to investigate the institution and hold those responsible accountable, warning that without urgent intervention, more young Nigerians may fall victim to what they describe as an education scam disguised as opportunity.