NUC to Review NYSC Ban on NOUN Graduates

The National Universities Commission (NUC) will re-examine the policy that stops graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from taking part in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

NUC Executive Secretary Abdullahi Ribadu announced the plan after the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, raised concerns about the rule. The Oba, who also serves as NOUN’s chancellor, described the exclusion as unfair to the university’s graduates.

According to NAN, the traditional ruler called for a policy review to allow qualified NOUN graduates to serve. He noted that the current ban puts them at a disadvantage compared to other university graduates.

Responding to the issue, Ribadu said the NUC will hold talks with NYSC management to look at the mobilisation guidelines again.

“I have heard the chancellor’s concerns about NOUN graduates not being mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps,” Ribadu said.

He added: “I want to assure you that at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made so NOUN graduates can be included. The situation has changed.”

Ribadu explained that the original policy was based on NOUN’s early student profile. At that time, most students were working adults above the NYSC age limit.

“But that is no longer the case,” he said. “In the past, NOUN graduates were 30 years and older. Now, we have younger graduates, below 30, who are eligible to serve based on age.”

Source: The Cable