NUC Moves to Reconsider NYSC Exclusion of NOUN Graduates

NUC Moves to Reconsider NYSC Exclusion of NOUN Graduates

The National Universities Commission has indicated plans to revisit the long-standing policy that excludes graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria from participating in the National Youth Service Corps.

Executive Secretary of the commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed that discussions would be opened with NYSC authorities to reassess the existing mobilisation framework.

The development follows concerns raised by the Chancellor of NOUN, Ewuare II, who criticised what he described as unequal treatment of graduates from the institution.

Ribadu acknowledged the issue, noting that the commission is aware of the growing calls for reform.

“I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor in his speech about the lack of mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps,” he said.

He added that the commission is prepared to work with relevant stakeholders to address the matter.

“We will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made in order for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, because the dynamics have changed.”

The NUC boss explained that the earlier restriction was influenced by the nature of NOUN’s student population at the time, which largely consisted of older, working professionals who were already above the NYSC age limit.

However, he noted that the profile of students in the institution has shifted significantly in recent years, with a growing number of younger graduates now eligible for national service.

“Unlike in the past, where graduates of NOUN are 30 years and above, in recent times you have graduates of younger age, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age,” Ribadu said.

The planned review is expected to spark fresh debate over inclusivity in Nigeria’s higher education system, as stakeholders continue to push for equal opportunities for graduates across different learning platforms.