NYSC Registration Is Mandatory _ Assistant Director Tells ABU Final Year Students at Orientation

By Omiyale Oluwatoyosi (U19MM103)

As part of efforts to prepare graduating students for life after university, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, held a special orientation programme for its final year students at Mamman Kontagora Square by 9:00 a.m. The orientation was organized by the Vice Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed in collaboration with the Career service unit (Counselling and Human Development Center), the orientation was attended by senior university officials, lecturers, and a large number of final year students across faculties.

A major highlight of the programme was a talk delivered by Dr. Abraham Oludolapo, Deputy Director at NYSC Headquarters, Abuja. He enlightened students on the structure, requirements, and procedures of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Dr. Oludolapo began by emphasizing that all graduates are required to register for NYSC, whether they would be serving, exempted, or concessionally redeployed. Registration, he said, is a mandatory part of the NYSC process and must be completed by every eligible graduate.

He highlighted the essence of the NYSC programme, stating that the scheme was established to promote national unity, integration, and consciousness among young Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. He described it as a vehicle for fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among Nigerian youths.

Dr. Oludolapo explained that the scheme is structured around four cardinal programmes that define the service year. The first is the orientation course, a three weeks intensive programme held at designated camps across the country to prepare corps members physically, mentally, and socially for service. This is followed by the primary assignment, where corps members are posted to organizations or institutions to contribute their skills and knowledge. Alongside this is the secondary assignment, also known as Community Development Service (CDS), which encourages corps members to identify and address community needs. The final component is personal programme and fulfilment, which gives corps members the opportunity to undertake personal development projects or social impact initiatives during their service year.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that all personal details  such as biometrics, date of birth, and academic records  match the information provided during registration on the NYSC portal. Any inconsistencies, he warned, could lead to delays or disqualification.

The NYSC official further cautioned that registration can only be successfully completed at NYSC accredited cybercafés, and urged students to avoid unapproved registration centers in order to prevent errors and safeguard their personal data.

Speaking on concessional redeployment, Dr. Oludolapo explained that it is granted under two major conditions: marriage and health grounds. For married female corps members, redeployment is permitted upon presentation of a valid marriage certificate and evidence of the husband’s place of residence. This allows the corps member to be posted near her spouse.

On health grounds, he noted that only graduates with chronic or terminal conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV, sickle cell anemia (SS), or physical disabilities are eligible for redeployment. Such conditions must be clearly indicated and documented during the NYSC registration process.

As a final note of caution, Dr. Oludolapo advised prospective corps members to avoid night travel when heading to orientation camps, citing the prevailing security challenges in parts of the country. He urged students to plan their journeys during daylight hours for their safety.

The orientation marks another step in ABU’s continued effort to equip its students with vital information and practical guidance as they transition from academic life to national service and responsible citizenship.