From October 6 2025 every Nigerian graduate must submit their final year thesis or project to the National Education Repository NERD to qualify for NYSC mobilisation or exemption Learn the full details and implications .
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a landmark reform that will change how graduates prepare for the National Youth Service Corps NYSC From October 6 2025 it will become compulsory for every graduate to submit their final year thesis project report or dissertation as part of the mobilisation or exemption process The new directive is anchored in the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank NERD which is designed to preserve academic outputs across institutions nationwide This article explains what the policy means why it was introduced how it will affect students and institutions and the challenges that may arise .
Background and Legal Basis
The decision was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and officially communicated through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume The reform draws its legal authority from sections of the NYSC Act that empower the government to modify mobilisation requirements The NERD policy serves as the framework for this reform establishing Nigeria’s first national academic repository to capture authenticate and preserve research and scholarly works .
Also Read : Why You No Carry Zombie – Radiogad Slams Pretty Mike Over Funeral Behavior
What the New Requirement Entails
Scope and Applicability
The new rule applies to all graduates seeking NYSC mobilisation or exemption from October 6 2025 onwards It covers graduates of universities polytechnics colleges of education and those who obtained degrees abroad Graduates who are already serving or who were mobilised before the effective date are not affected .
Required Academic Outputs
Students will be required to submit final year projects dissertations theses and other recognised academic outputs These submissions will be uploaded into the NERD platform which acts as a central archive According to the policy this process is also a quality assurance measure designed to confirm authenticity and time stamp academic activities .
Information to be Captured
Each submission must clearly state the name of the student the names of supervisors or co supervisors the Head of Department and the sponsoring institution This ensures traceability and accountability for every piece of academic work .
Monetisation and Rewards
One unique feature of the policy is that academic outputs will not simply be archived but may also generate royalties for both students and supervisors Authors of submitted works may earn lifetime financial rewards for their contributions Institutions on their part are encouraged to create local repositories that can connect to the national system .
Institutional and Administrative Measures
All ministries departments agencies and educational institutions have been directed to implement this policy fully Agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission will provide technical support and ensure proper integration with identity validation platforms Institutions will also be required to submit annual compliance reports beginning March 30 of each year .
Objectives and Rationale
The government has outlined several objectives for the policy First it aims to curb academic fraud by making it nearly impossible for fake certificates or unverified academic claims to pass undetected Second the repository will safeguard Nigeria’s intellectual assets by preserving research that would otherwise remain locked away in libraries or forgotten archives Third it is expected to raise academic standards since supervisors and institutions will be more accountable for the quality of work produced Finally it enhances transparency and restores global credibility to Nigerian academic qualifications .
Reactions and Stakeholder Perspectives
Officials have emphasized that the policy is not designed to disrupt normal academic processes Instead it is meant to reinforce authenticity and elevate the quality of scholarship The linkage of supervisors’ names with each student’s work is expected to promote more diligent supervision and reduce negligence The Minister of Education has also reaffirmed that the requirement is in line with earlier provisions of the NERD policy Academic stakeholders are divided however While some lecturers and institutions welcome the change as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s research culture others warn of practical challenges such as poor infrastructure limited digital access and inadequate funding in many schools .
Challenges and Potential Risks
Several challenges could affect smooth implementation One is infrastructure as many institutions lack the digital capacity servers and bandwidth required for mass submission of projects Another is data privacy since unpublished research and sensitive academic materials could be misused if security is weak Accessibility is also a concern as underfunded or rural institutions may struggle with compliance Questions about intellectual property and ownership could arise especially with monetisation built into the system Finally transition will require training awareness and consistent support to help both students and institutions adapt .
What Graduates and Institutions Should Do
Graduates are advised to begin preparing early by ensuring their projects and theses are well documented with accurate details Institutions should work on integrating their internal systems with NERD and creating reliable local repositories Supervisors and departments must ensure data accuracy including correct spellings and affiliations Institutions facing funding or capacity issues should seek government or external support It is equally important for all stakeholders to stay informed as guidelines and technical details are rolled out in the months ahead .
Conclusion
The decision to make final year thesis submission compulsory for NYSC mobilisation or exemption represents one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s education system in recent years It reflects the government’s determination to combat academic fraud protect intellectual heritage and hold institutions accountable While the policy could transform the value of Nigerian academic qualifications its success will depend on proper infrastructure strong stakeholder cooperation and transparent implementation .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers are encouraged to cross check updates from official news outlets .