The Federal Government has made thesis submission a mandatory requirement for NYSC mobilisation or exemption under the newly enforced NERD policy effective October 6.
The Federal Government has approved a new directive making thesis or project submission mandatory for graduates seeking mobilisation into or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The move, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aligns with provisions of the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
According to an enforcement circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the new requirement takes effect from October 6.
The policy mandates the deposit of academic outputs, including theses and project reports, as “a quality assurance check and as a yearly independent proof of continuous academic enrolment and affiliation.”
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, earlier explained that the NERD policy applies to all institutions—public, private, military, or civilian—within and outside Nigeria. He noted, “the approved stipulations for mandatory submission of academic outputs… shall become obligatory requirements in Nigeria.”
NERD spokesperson Haula Galadima stressed that uploaded works will feature the names of students, supervisors, and institutions, adding, “very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works.”
The policy also introduces revenue-sharing mechanisms for students and lecturers from deposited academic content.