President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major reform that will directly link the mobilisation and exemption process of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
The directive, was contained in a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, takes effect on October 6, 2025.
According to the new rule, no graduate from Nigerian or foreign institutions will be mobilised for service or granted exemption without proof of compliance with the NERD policy.
Under the framework, students must deposit their academic works, including theses and project reports into a national digital repository. The initiative is designed to curb certificate fraud, preserve intellectual assets, and enforce quality standards in higher institutions.
The NERD spokesperson, Haula Galadima, explained that each submission will bear the names of the student, supervisor(s), Head of Department, and the institution. She noted that this would boost accountability and improve academic supervision.
“Very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works,” Galadima said, stressing that the policy will strengthen scholarship and credibility in Nigeria’s education system.
The policy was first introduced in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and is now set to become a compulsory requirement for NYSC participation.