DG, NYSC come to our aid

I write this with deep concern over the challenges surrounding the recent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation upload conducted in November this year, which has left many Nigerian graduates unfairly stranded and frustrated. Having graduated in 2024, I was among those mobilised internally by my institution for NYSC Batch C. All required clearances were […]

I write this with deep concern over the challenges surrounding the recent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation upload conducted in November this year, which has left many Nigerian graduates unfairly stranded and frustrated.
Having graduated in 2024, I was among those mobilised internally by my institution for NYSC Batch C. All required clearances were completed, and our details were duly submitted at the institutional level. However, despite this internal mobilisation, our names were not uploaded to the NYSC portal.
Upon discovering the omission, affected graduates contacted the University of Maiduguri, where we were formally informed that our names were captured on the “error list.” We were asked to submit the necessary and correct information to enable the institution rectify the issue. This was promptly done. However, the university further explained that rectification can only be completed if the NYSC opens its portal to allow institutions upload or correct affected records.
Sadly, this problem is not limited to one individual. Over 150 graduates from the University of Maiduguri are affected, while reports from other universities suggest that the number of victims runs into several hundreds. These are graduates who followed due process, yet now face delays caused by factors entirely beyond their control.
The impact of this omission is severe. Many employment opportunities, scholarships, postgraduate admissions, and professional programmes require an NYSC certificate or exemption letter. Because our names were not uploaded, we are automatically disqualified from such opportunities, despite being qualified graduates ready to serve the nation.
It is deeply concerning that innocent graduates are paying the price for administrative or technical lapses. The prolonged uncertainty has caused emotional distress, financial strain, and a growing sense of frustration among affected youths.
In view of this, I respectfully appeal to the Director-General of NYSC to urgently reopen the NYSC mobilization portal to enable universities upload omitted names and correct errors for graduates who were already mobilised internally but excluded during the November upload. This single intervention will restore hope to thousands of Nigerian graduates and reaffirm NYSC’s commitment to fairness and youth development.
The NYSC scheme remains a noble national institution. Addressing this issue promptly will strengthen public trust and prevent further loss of opportunities for young Nigerians eager to contribute to national development.

Muhammad Yasir Garba, University of Maiduguri, [email protected]