Complete Guide to Replacing a Lost NYSC Certificate in Nigeria

losing your NYSC certificate can be very distressing, especially since it’s a compulsory requirement for most jobs, postgraduate studies, and professional registrations in Nigeria. Whether it’s your Discharge Certificate, Exemption Certificate, or Exclusion Letter, the good news is that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has an official process for issuing replacements.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process — from reporting the loss to finally obtaining a valid replacement from NYSC headquarters.

1. Understand the Type of Certificate You Lost

Before beginning the process, you need to identify exactly which certificate you lost. The replacement procedure is the same, but knowing the type helps NYSC verify your record faster.

• NYSC Discharge Certificate – issued to graduates who successfully completed the one-year service.

• NYSC Exemption Certificate – issued to graduates who were exempted (e.g., those above 30 years old at the time of graduation, or serving military/police personnel).

• NYSC Exclusion Letter – issued to part-time graduates or those whose courses were not covered by NYSC.

Why this matters: Some organizations may request a Letter of Confirmation instead of a replacement certificate, especially for exemption and exclusion cases.

2. Report the Loss at a Police Station

The first official step is to report the loss to the police. This prevents potential misuse of your certificate if it falls into the wrong hands.

Steps to follow:

1. Visit the nearest police station in your area.

2. Clearly state how and when the certificate was lost (e.g., theft, fire, flood, or misplacement).

3. Obtain a police extract/report, which will serve as legal evidence that the certificate is missing.

Tip: Ensure the police report is signed and stamped properly, as NYSC will reject incomplete or suspicious reports.

3. Swear an Affidavit of Loss

Next, go to a High Court of Justice to swear an affidavit declaring that your certificate has been lost.

The affidavit should include:

• Your full name (as it appears in your NYSC records).

• NYSC call-up number.

• Service year and state of deployment.

• A clear declaration that the certificate was lost.

Why this is important: The affidavit is a sworn statement under the law, and NYSC will not process your application without it.

4. Gather Supporting Documents

Having the right documents ready will make the process smoother. Prepare:

• Police report (original).

• Sworn affidavit (original).

• Valid means of identification (e.g., National ID, International Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s License).

• Two recent passport photographs.

• Original NYSC call-up letter or posting letter (if available).

• Photocopy of the lost certificate (if you still have one).

• Any additional documents that can verify your service record (e.g., clearance letter from your Place of Primary Assignment).

Pro tip: If you studied abroad, also carry your clearance documents from NYSC foreign verification exercise.

5. Submit Application at NYSC Headquarters

Currently, NYSC only handles certificate replacement at its headquarters in Abuja. There is no official online application, so avoid fraudsters who claim they can help you get a replacement for a fee.

At the NYSC Headquarters (Certificate Unit):

1. Request and fill out the Certificate Replacement Form.

2. Submit all supporting documents for verification.

3. Pay the official processing fee (only at the designated counter inside the NYSC office, not to individuals).

4. Collect and keep your payment receipt safe.

 Address:
NYSC National Directorate Headquarters
Plot 416, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.

6. What Happens After Submission

After submitting, NYSC will:

1. Verify your service record in their archives.

2. Cross-check details with your school (if necessary).

3. Process either:

   A Replacement Certificate (with the word “REPLACEMENT” printed on it), or                    A Letter of Confirmation (for some exemption/exclusion cases).

Note: A replacement certificate is as valid as the original for all official purposes.

7. Processing Time

The time it takes depends on how quickly NYSC can verify your records. On average:

• 2–6 weeks if your records are complete.

• Longer if there are missing or conflicting details.

To avoid delays, ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submission.

8. How to Protect Your NYSC Certificate in the Future

Once you get your replacement, take extra care to safeguard it:

• Store it in a waterproof, fire-resistant file.

• Scan and save a digital copy in secure cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.).

• Make certified true copies (CTC) for use in applications instead of always carrying the original.

• Never hand it over without formal acknowledgment.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Believing scammers who claim they can help you get a replacement “faster” online.

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent information.

• Failing to attach your call-up number and service details in the affidavit.

• Not keeping your payment receipt — you’ll need it to collect your certificate.

Conclusion

While losing your NYSC certificate can feel discouraging, it’s not the end of your career or academic journey. The process is clear, official, and straightforward:

1. Report to the police.

2. Swear an affidavit.

3. Gather supporting documents.

4. Submit at NYSC headquarters.

5. Wait for verification and issuance.

The replacement you’ll receive is valid for all official purposes even though it is marked as a replacement. With proper care, you can avoid losing it again and continue using it to unlock opportunities for employment, further studies, and professional advancement.