The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a landmark policy that will reshape the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process. In a new circular, the government announced that graduates must now submit their thesis, research project, or academic dissertation to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) before they can be mobilised or granted exemption from NYSC.
This major policy shift, effective from October 6, 2025, is designed to strengthen academic integrity, preserve research outputs, and curb certificate fraud in the country’s higher education system.
What is the New NYSC Regulation About?
According to the circular released by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the new rule mandates that:
- All graduates from Nigerian and foreign universities or polytechnics must deposit their thesis or final year research project into the NERD repository.
- Compliance with this directive is now a prerequisite for NYSC mobilisation or exemption.
- Institutions are expected to build their own local repositories while also reporting to the central NERD database.
- Supervisors’ names will be linked to submitted works, ensuring accountability for quality and originality.
- A monetisation and reward mechanism will be attached to the repository, allowing deposited works to generate value.
The new regulation is anchored in Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, giving it full legal backing.
Effective Date of the New NYSC Policy
The directive takes effect on October 6, 2025. From this date:
- No graduate—whether trained in Nigeria or abroad—will be eligible for NYSC mobilisation or exemption without proof of compliance.
- Institutions must begin to align their systems to ensure graduates submit their academic work before processing mobilisation.
- Annual reports of compliance are to be submitted to NERD every March 30.
Who is Affected by the Thesis Submission Rule?
- Graduates of Nigerian universities and polytechnics
- Nigerians who studied abroad seeking NYSC mobilisation or exemption
- Postgraduate degree holders (Master’s, PhD) who must also submit their dissertations and theses
Who is NOT Affected?
- Corps members already serving in NYSC
- Graduates mobilised or exempted before October 6, 2025
Why Did FG Approve This New NYSC Regulation?
The Federal Government highlighted several reasons behind this bold move:
- Curbing Certificate Fraud: By linking academic projects to graduates, the government can verify authenticity and reduce fake certificates.
- Academic Accountability: Supervisors and examiners will be held accountable since their names appear in uploaded works.
- Knowledge Preservation: Thousands of valuable research works stored in dusty libraries will now be preserved digitally for future access.
- Monetisation of Research: Graduates will benefit financially from their academic works through the reward system integrated into NERD.
- Transparency in Mobilisation: NYSC mobilisation will now go hand in hand with academic compliance, eliminating loopholes.
Implications for Students and Institutions
For Students
- Every student must take project and thesis writing seriously since it is now tied to NYSC mobilisation.
- Those who studied abroad must ensure their academic projects are uploaded before applying for exemption.
- Intellectual property concerns may arise, but the government promises a reward/monetisation scheme.
For Institutions
- Universities and polytechnics must develop strong local repositories.
- ICT departments will be tasked with linking local databases to the NERD system.
- Compliance reports must be submitted annually to avoid sanctions.
Challenges and Concerns
While the policy is a step toward reform, experts have raised concerns about:
- Infrastructure gaps in some institutions, especially rural polytechnics and colleges.
- Digital capacity for uploading and managing large volumes of research projects.
- Short notice, since the directive is set to take effect barely days after the circular.
- Intellectual property rights, as some graduates may worry about open access to their work.
- Administrative bottlenecks, which may delay mobilisation if not properly managed.
How to Comply with the New NYSC Thesis Submission Requirement
- Complete Your Research Project/Thesis – Ensure your academic work meets your school’s standard.
- Submit to Your Institution – Deposit your project in your school’s local repository.
- NERD Upload – Confirm that your institution uploads or links your work to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank.
- Get Proof of Submission – Keep a compliance certificate or digital proof for NYSC mobilisation/exemption.
- Check with NYSC – Ensure your details are verified before mobilisation begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is thesis submission mandatory for all graduates?
Yes. All Nigerian and foreign-trained graduates must submit their thesis or final year project to NERD.
2. Does this affect those currently serving in NYSC?
No. The directive applies to graduates mobilised after October 6, 2025.
3. What if my course does not require a thesis or final project?
Such cases may be considered, but schools must provide alternative academic outputs for submission.
4. Can I upload my project personally?
The process will primarily go through your institution, though direct submission options may be available later.
5. Will I get paid for uploading my thesis?
Yes. The FG says a monetisation system will allow academic works to generate rewards.
Conclusion
The new NYSC regulation mandating thesis and project submission into NERD is one of the most significant educational reforms in Nigeria in recent years. While it promises transparency, academic integrity, and knowledge preservation, students and institutions must prepare to overcome infrastructure and compliance challenges.
From October 6, 2025, thesis submission is no longer optional—it is now a mandatory requirement for NYSC mobilisation or exemption. Every graduate must therefore prioritise compliance to avoid delays in their national service.
