Key Points
- Policy starts on 6 October, according to a federal circular. Graduates must comply to be mobilised or exempted by NYSC.
- Tinubu invokes NYSC Act sections to enforce the directive. The law backs checks for proof of repository submission.
- NERD needs theses and final year project reports from students. It serves as quality check and proof of enrolment.
The Federal Government has made project deposit a new NYSC gate. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a reform that links mobilisation to NERD. A circular from the SGF, George Akume, sets 6 October.
Tinubu invoked NYSC Act Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C). From 6 October, mobilisation or exemption needs proof of NERD compliance. The order covers local and foreign graduates from all schools.
Under the NERD policy, students must deposit theses and project reports. Section 6.1.23 lists this step as quality check and proof of enrolment. NYSC records talk has trended, as seen in Ilebaye NYSC age claim.
How mobilisation and exemption will work
Graduates will upload their academic output to the central repository before screening. Institutions and regulators can verify entries during NYSC processing and clearance. Failure to comply halts call-up or exemption until proof appears.
What universities and students should expect
Universities are urged to run local repositories in line with NERD. The policy also plans rewards for authors and supervisors over time. Sector debate stays active across campuses this week.
Officials say the shift will fight forged papers and boost open access. It also helps future checks for grants, hiring, and study. The repository will keep final drafts, with rights reserved to authors.
Universities may issue timelines and guides for phased uploads this term. Students should confirm formats, file sizes, and naming on school portals. Sector debate also shows up in ASUU strike warning action.
