The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory post-tertiary program established by the Nigerian government in 1973 during General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime. Its purpose was to foster national unity and reconciliation after the Nigerian Civil War. This initiative, known as the “national service year,” requires graduates of universities and polytechnics in Nigeria or abroad to participate for one year.
NYSC was officially created on May 22, 1973, under Decree No. 24. The decree emphasized the importance of encouraging national unity and fostering ties among Nigerian youths. Since its inception, the scheme has issued three distinct certificates to participants or eligible individuals:
Types of NYSC Certificates
1. NYSC Certificate of Discharge
This certificate is awarded to Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 who have successfully completed the one-year NYSC program. It is applicable to those who graduated from recognized universities or polytechnics in Nigeria or abroad.
2. NYSC Certificate of Exemption
By law, a certificate of exemption is issued to graduates who, for specific reasons, are not eligible to participate in the NYSC program. These reasons include:
Being over the age of 30 at the time of graduation.
Serving in the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, or similar institutions for at least nine months.
Being a staff member of the Nigerian Security Organization, State Security Service, National Intelligence Agency, or Defence Intelligence Service.
Receiving a national honor.
Individuals in these categories are exempted from the NYSC program and are instead issued a Certificate of Exemption.
3. NYSC Letter of Exclusion
This letter is given to graduates of part-time programs at recognized universities or polytechnics in Nigeria or abroad. These individuals are not eligible for the NYSC program and do not qualify for a Certificate of Exemption. Instead, they are issued a Letter of Exclusion.
Summary
Whether you are a full-time or part-time graduate of a recognized institution, as long as you are a Nigerian, you will qualify for one of these certificates:
Certificate of Discharge for completing the service year.
Certificate of Exemption for those exempted by law.
Letter of Exclusion for part-time graduates.
Peoplesmind
