The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it will review the exclusion of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) graduates from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of NUC, said the move follows concerns raised by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, Chancellor of NOUN, over the “unequal” treatment of the open university’s graduates.
According to NAN, the traditional ruler called for policy changes to allow eligible graduates to serve, saying that current restrictions put them at a disadvantage.
Ribadu said the NUC will engage NYSC leadership to re-evaluate the mobilisation framework.
“I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor in his speech about the lack of mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps,” he said.
“I want to assure you that, at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made in order for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, because the dynamics have changed.”
The NUC boss said the initial policy reflected NOUN’s past student profile of working professionals above the service age limit, adding that the commission has now observed a shift to younger students.
“Unlike in the past, when graduates of NOUN were 30 years and above, in recent times, there are younger graduates, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age,” he said.