The Federal Government has made it compulsory for graduates to submit their academic projects or theses before they can join or be exempted from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The directive, approved by President Bola Tinubu and conveyed in a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, takes effect from October 6.
It applies to all graduates of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and foreign institutions.
The new rule enforces compliance with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), which requires students to deposit their academic works as part of efforts to curb certificate fraud, protect intellectual assets, and improve academic standards.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa had earlier announced that the NERD policy would be binding on all institutions, whether public, private, military, or civilian.
The policy also includes a reward system that allows students and their supervisors to earn royalties from deposited academic works.
NERD spokesperson Haula Galadima said the requirement will strengthen supervision in higher institutions, since lecturers’ names will be linked to students’ works on a national platform.
The circular directed ministries, agencies, and schools to enforce compliance, while data agencies like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will provide verification support.
The rule does not affect current corps members or graduates mobilised before the October 6 deadline.
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