Jubilation: National Universities Commission Moves to End Exclusion of NOUN Graduates from NYSC
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced plans to review the exclusion of graduates from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, said the decision follows concerns raised by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, who serves as Chancellor of NOUN. The monarch described the current policy as unfair and called for reforms that would allow qualified NOUN graduates to take part in the programme.
According to reports, Ribadu said the commission would engage with the NYSC leadership to reassess the existing mobilisation framework.
“I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor regarding the non-mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps,” he said.
“I want to assure you that the NUC will work with NYSC to determine the policy adjustments needed for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, especially as circumstances have changed.”
Ribadu explained that the earlier policy was based on the university’s previous student population, which largely consisted of working professionals who were above the NYSC age limit. However, he noted that the demographic has shifted significantly in recent years.
“Unlike in the past, when most NOUN graduates were 30 years and above, we now have younger graduates below the age of 30 who are eligible to participate in NYSC,” he said.
The proposed review could mark a significant step toward equal opportunities for NOUN graduates seeking to participate in the national service scheme.