President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a significant reform for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). From October 6, no Nigerian graduate will be mobilised or exempted from NYSC without showing proof that they have complied with the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy. This applies to graduates from Nigerian schools, polytechnics, colleges, or even institutions abroad.
The directive, issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, requires all students to submit their academic work, including projects and theses, into the NERD system. According to the government, this step will prevent the issuance of fake certificates, verify academic achievements, and enhance the quality of education in the country.
Parents have welcomed the move. Mrs Amina Usman, mother of a final-year student, said, “This is good for our children. Some people attend school but do not complete their studies or submit their projects. With this system, we can be sure that NYSC only calls those who have genuinely completed their studies.” She added that the government must make the system easy for students in rural areas who may not have strong internet access.
Some lecturers and education experts also praised the policy. Dr Salisu Yahaya, an education consultant, said, “NERD is very important because it gives every student a digital record. Students can no longer lie about their certificates. It will also encourage lecturers to supervise projects properly because their names appear on the system.”
Experts, however, warned about challenges. Dr Rhoda Odigboh, an education administrator, said many schools still lack computers, internet access, and trained staff. “The idea is correct, but schools need time and support. There should be pilot testing, training for teachers, and clear instructions for students,” she said.
The NERD policy also allows students and lecturers to earn money from their academic work. According to NERD spokesperson, Haula Galadima, “Each submission will include the names of the student, supervisors, department, and school. This will help improve quality, accountability, and supervision in all schools across Nigeria.”
Parents, such as Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, see it as a long-awaited reform. “We have been worried about fake certificates and students skipping requirements. Now, NYSC will only take those who have really completed their courses,” he said.
The government stated that this reform will protect Nigeria’s intellectual property and enhance the credibility of the NYSC mobilisation process. It does not affect students who are already serving in NYSC or those who enrolled before October 6.
With the deadline approaching, parents, students, and school authorities are now preparing to meet the NERD requirements, with the hope that it will create a more transparent, fair, and trustworthy education system in Nigeria.
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