Is NOUN Going For NYSC

Is NOUN Going For NYSC? YES, NOUN graduates are now eligible for NYSC, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who has tasked the Federal Ministry of Education with ensuring their inclusion within the program’s framework, provided they meet the necessary criteria, such as age and program accreditation. This article delves into the journey of NOUN’s inclusion in the NYSC, the eligibility requirements, the challenges faced during implementation, and what this milestone means for NOUN graduates and the future of open education in Nigeria.

The NYSC and NOUN Controversy

The NYSC scheme was established in 1973 to promote national unity by deploying graduates to different parts of Nigeria for one year of service. However, NOUN, Nigeria’s premier open and distance learning institution, has faced challenges in getting its graduates accepted into the program.

The major issue has been the interpretation of the NYSC Act, which initially recognized only graduates from conventional universities. Since NOUN operates on a flexible, non-residential study model, its students were excluded. This has been a major concern for NOUN graduates, as NYSC discharge certificates are often required for employment in both public and private sectors.

Recent Developments and Government’s Stance

In 2018, there was a glimmer of hope when the Federal Government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, signed an amendment to the NOUN Act, recognizing it as a full-fledged university with equal status to conventional institutions. This amendment was expected to pave the way for NOUN graduates to participate in NYSC.

However, implementation has been slow. While the government has expressed support for inclusivity, logistical and policy adjustments within the NYSC scheme have delayed full integration. In 2023, the House of Representatives called for the inclusion of NOUN graduates in NYSC, but concrete steps are yet to be taken.

What NOUN Students Should Know

As of now, NOUN graduates are still not eligible for NYSC mobilization. However, the following key points should be noted:

1. Legal Recognition: NOUN is now legally recognized as a university, meaning its graduates should, in theory, qualify for NYSC.

2. Ongoing Advocacy: Stakeholders, including the National Assembly and NOUN management, continue to push for inclusion.

3. Possible Future Inclusion: If policies are fully adjusted, NOUN graduates may soon be allowed to participate in NYSC.

Students are advised to stay updated through official NOUN and NYSC announcements.

Conclusion

The question of whether NOUN graduates will go for NYSC remains unanswered, but there is growing optimism. With legal recognition in place and continued advocacy, it is only a matter of time before the necessary policies are implemented. Until then, NOUN students should remain patient while following official updates. If the barriers are finally lifted, it will mark a significant milestone for open and distance learning in Nigeria, granting NOUN graduates the same opportunities as their counterparts in conventional universities.

For now, the wait continues, but the future looks promising.