The Federal Government has introduced a new policy that directly affects all graduates preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). From 6 October, students will be required to upload their final-year projects, theses, or dissertations into the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) as a condition for NYSC mobilisation.
1. What Is Changing?
Until now, NYSC mobilisation was largely based on a graduate’s academic records and clearance from their institution. Under the new policy, however, submission of final-year academic work into NERD becomes mandatory before mobilisation.
2. Who Must Comply?
- All graduates of Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
- Graduates of foreign institutions seeking NYSC mobilisation.
- The rule does not affect serving corps members or those mobilised before the 6 October 2025 enforcement date.
3. Why Is This Policy Being Enforced?
According to government officials, the objectives are:
- Curbing certificate forgery by creating a digital record of academic output.
- Improving academic quality, since supervisors’ names will be permanently attached to students’ projects.
- Protecting Nigeria’s intellectual property through central archiving.
- Strengthening the credibility of higher education qualifications both locally and internationally.
4. What Will Be Recorded?
Each submission to NERD will include:
- Student’s full name.
- Names of the project supervisor and co-supervisor (if any).
- Name of the Head of Department.
- The sponsoring institution and department.
This accountability system is expected to push supervisors and students to produce higher-quality work.
5. How Will It Work?
- Projects will be uploaded into the national education databank.
- The works will be digitised and stored permanently.
- They will also be globally accessible, meaning poorly produced work could reflect badly on both students and lecturers.
6. What Do Students and Lecturers Gain?
The government has announced a monetisation mechanism:
- Students and lecturers will be able to earn lifetime revenue from their deposited academic work.
- This is intended to encourage innovation and reward intellectual contribution.
7. When Does It Start?
- Effective Date: 6 October 2025.
- Applies to all graduates seeking NYSC mobilisation after this date.
Comments, This policy is a significant shift in Nigeria’s higher education and NYSC process. While it may initially create more work for students and institutions, the government insists it will enhance academic integrity, global visibility, and intellectual accountability.
For students preparing to graduate, the message is clear: your final-year project is now more than a requirement for graduation, it’s your entry ticket into NYSC.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
