The Federal Government has introduced a new requirement mandating Nigerian graduates to submit their academic theses or project reports before being mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This reform is part of the implementation of the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
Approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, the policy aims to curb certificate fraud, improve academic quality, and protect the country’s intellectual assets.
The directive was communicated through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. It states that from October 6, 2025, no graduate whether from local or foreign institutions will be eligible for NYSC mobilisation or exemption without proof of compliance with the NERD policy.
Under Section 6.1.23 of the policy, students must deposit their academic work, which will be digitally time-stamped and include:Student’s full name
Supervisor(s) and Head of Department,Institution and department name
This acts as an independent verification of academic activity and institutional affiliation.
Spokesperson for NERD, Haula Galadima, emphasized that this initiative will raise academic standards by making supervisors more accountable for the quality of student output, as their names will be publicly associated with these works.
The policy also introduces a reward mechanism, allowing students and lecturers to earn lifetime revenue from their uploaded academic content.
Applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher institutions public, private, civilian, or military.Includes foreign graduates seeking NYSC participation or exemption.
Existing Corps members or those mobilised before October 6 are exempt.
Institutions are encouraged to establish local repositories aligned with the national database.
Agencies like NIMC will support data validation through integrated APIs.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa previously declared in March 2025 that NERD compliance would be obligatory for all Nigerian educational institutions.
This reform marks a significant step toward improving transparency, accountability, and the integrity of Nigeria’s academic and national service systems.
