This question has been frequently asked by many students, with several false answers circulating on the internet.
Below, we will provide you with an accurate answer to this question and explain the reasons behind it in detail.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory post-tertiary scheme established in Nigeria in 1973 by the former president of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon.
The goal is to foster national unity and development.
NYSC is a mandatory scheme for Nigerian graduates within the age of 30 to participate in a one-year service to the nation.
Eligibility Requirements for NYSC
- You must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth or naturalization.
- You must graduate from an accredited institution within or outside Nigeria.
- You must graduate between the age of 18 and 30 years old.
What are part-time studies?
Part-time studies is a type of tertiary institution program designed for students who are engaged in other activities, such as work, trade, or business.
It allows them to pursue academic programs with a flexible schedule that helps them balance their studies with other commitments.
Part-time students typically take fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
Will part-time graduates go for NYSC?
Yes, part-time graduates from accredited institutions can now take part in the NYSC program. This is a big change, especially for polytechnic part-time graduates who had always been excluded in the past. The breakthrough came on February 14, 2025, when the Federal Government finally approved their mobilisation after years of protests and rejection.
Why Part-Time Graduates Were Left Out Before
For a long time, NYSC was meant only for full-time graduates of accredited universities and polytechnics. Anyone who studied part-time, particularly in polytechnics, was automatically given an exclusion letter instead of a call-up letter. In other words, they had no chance of serving because of the mode of study they chose.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) also backed this restriction. JAMB argued that part-time programs were created mainly for people who missed the chance of full-time studies usually working adults or older students seeking formal education later in life. Because of this, they believed part-time students shouldn’t have the same NYSC benefits as those who studied full-time.
Even when part-time graduates tried to use regularisation to update or validate their admission details, they were still not considered. JAMB made it clear that regularisation was only a way to keep students’ records in their system it did not qualify anyone for NYSC.
Over the years, the policy led to frustration and protests from part-time polytechnic graduates who felt sidelined. Their continuous outcry eventually reached the Federal Government, and after much pressure and consideration, a decision was made. On February 14, 2025, their request was finally approved.
From now on, all part-time polytechnic graduates are eligible for NYSC mobilisation. This is a landmark decision that promotes fairness and equal opportunity, giving every graduate whether full-time or part-time the chance to serve their country. It also shows that the government is willing to listen to students who had long been excluded from the system.