National Universities Commission boss Abdullahi Ribadu has signalled a potential policy shift that could finally open the door for National Open University of Nigeria graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps, following mounting concerns over what has been described as “unequal” treatment.
The move comes after a strong intervention by Ewuare II, who serves as chancellor of NOUN and urged authorities to address restrictions that have long excluded qualified graduates from national service.
According to NAN, the monarch pushed for urgent reforms, arguing that the current policy unfairly disadvantages NOUN graduates despite their academic qualifications.
Ribadu acknowledged the concern and promised action: “I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor in his speech about the lack of mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps,” he said. “I want to assure you, at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made in order for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, because the dynamics have changed.”
He explained that the existing policy was originally based on NOUN’s older student demographic, many of whom were already above the NYSC age threshold. However, that reality is shifting fast.
“Unlike in the past, where graduates of NOUN are 30 years and above; in recent times, you have graduates of younger age, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age,” Ribadu said.
With younger graduates now emerging from NOUN in increasing numbers, pressure is building on authorities to modernise the mobilisation framework, setting the stage for what could be a significant overhaul of the NYSC eligibility rules.
