By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has announced that all graduates must now submit their final year projects, dissertations, or theses as part of the requirements for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

According to a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the new directive makes compliance with the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy compulsory. Graduates will be required to upload their academic works into the repository before they can be mobilised for national service or granted exemption.

The policy, which takes effect from October 6, 2025, applies to all graduates from Nigerian and foreign institutions. Those already mobilised or currently serving under the NYSC will not be affected.

Officials explained that the move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s academic database, combat plagiarism, and ensure the proper preservation of intellectual contributions from Nigerian graduates.

NYSC is expected to release further guidelines to institutions and prospective corps members in the coming days.