NUC Moves to Include NOUN Graduates in NYSC Scheme

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a significant step toward allowing graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This development was shared by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, during the institution’s 15th convocation ceremony held over the weekend in Abuja.  

Prof. Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, stated that the NUC is set to engage with the leadership of the NYSC to review the current policy that excludes NOUN graduates from the mandatory one-year service. He explained that the initial exclusion was based on a historical profile of NOUN students, who were mostly working professionals over the age of 30. However, the commission has observed a major shift in recent years, with a growing number of younger students under 30 now graduating from the institution.  

“The dynamics have changed,” Prof. Ribadu noted. “Unlike in the past, we now have graduates of a younger age who are eligible to participate in the NYSC based on age. We will do our best to see that this is effected.”  

The move follows a direct appeal from the Chancellor of NOUN and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, who described the current restriction as a disadvantage for students of the open and distance learning institution. He urged the federal government to remove all impediments to ensure fairness, regardless of the mode of study.  

The 15th convocation saw a total of 24,575 students receive their degrees. This graduating class included 57 First Class honors recipients and, notably, 56 inmates from various correctional centers across the country. The NUC’s commitment to reviewing the NYSC policy is seen as a major win for the institution as it strives to achieve full parity with conventional universities in Nigeria.