What To Do If Your NYSC Certificate Is Lost

If your NYSC certificate is lost , the first and most important thing to do is start the official replacement process with the National Youth Service Corps headquarters. This is because the NYSC is the only body authorized to issue a valid replacement or confirmation letter. Losing an NYSC certificate — whether it’s the Discharge Certificate, Exemption Certificate, or Exclusion Letter — can cause problems when applying for jobs, further studies, or professional registration, as it’s often a required document in Nigeria.

The good news is that while NYSC does not issue an exact duplicate of your original certificate, they do have a structured process for replacing it. This process involves making an official report, proving the loss legally, and submitting the right documents for verification. With patience and proper documentation, you can get a replacement that is fully recognized for official purposes.

1. Identify the Type of Certificate You Lost

Not all NYSC certificates are the same, and knowing which one you lost will help you follow the correct process. The three main categories are:

NYSC Discharge Certificate – Given to corps members who successfully completed the one-year service program.
NYSC Exemption Certificate – Given to graduates who did not serve due to age (30 years and above at graduation) or other exemptions such as being in the military or police service.
NYSC Exclusion Letter – Given to part-time graduates and those in programs not covered by NYSC.

Why this matters: Some employers may require a confirmation letter rather than a reprint depending on the certificate type.

2. Report the Loss at a Police Station

Your first formal step is to report the missing certificate to the police. This is not just a formality — it serves as legal proof that the document is no longer in your possession and prevents misuse.

Here’s how to do it:

Visit the nearest police station in your current location.
Explain clearly how the certificate got lost — whether through theft, fire, flood, or misplacement.
Request a police extract (official report) which will be stamped and signed by the appropriate authority.

Tip: Be honest in your account. Inconsistent details could delay your replacement request during verification.

3. Swear an Affidavit of Loss

The next step is to swear a legal affidavit at a High Court confirming the loss. The affidavit should contain:

Your full legal name.
NYSC call-up number.
Service year and state of deployment.
A clear statement that the certificate is missing.

Why this is important: The affidavit is a sworn legal statement, and NYSC will not process your replacement request without it.

4. Gather All Necessary Supporting Documents

For a smooth application process, prepare the following documents before going to NYSC headquarters:

Photocopy of the lost certificate (if available).
Police report (original).
Sworn affidavit (original).
Valid means of identification (National ID card, international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license).
Two recent passport photographs.
Original NYSC call-up letter or posting letter (if you still have them).

Having extra supporting documents, such as your final clearance letter from PPA, can sometimes speed up verification.

5. Visit the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja

Currently, NYSC only processes certificate replacement requests at the headquarters in Abuja. There’s no official online application option, so avoid websites claiming they can replace your certificate for a fee.

When you arrive at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters:

Go to the Certificate Unit and request the replacement form.
Submit all required documents for verification.
Pay the official processing fee (as directed at the office, not to any unofficial person).
Keep your payment receipt safe — you’ll need it when collecting your replacement.

6. What Happens After Submission

Once you submit your application, NYSC will:

Verify your service record in their archives.
Cross-check your details with your alma mater (in some cases).
Process either a Replacement Certificate or a Letter of Confirmation.

Note: A replacement certificate will have “Replacement” clearly indicated to differentiate it from the original. This does not affect its validity for official purposes.

7. Timeframe for Replacement

The processing time varies depending on record verification speed, but it typically takes two to six weeks. Factors like missing records or incomplete documents can delay the process. To avoid unnecessary delays, ensure your documents are complete before submission.

8. How to Prevent Losing Your NYSC Certificate Again

Your NYSC certificate is one of the most important documents you’ll own as a graduate. Once replaced, take these steps to safeguard it:

Keep it in a waterproof, fire-resistant file.
Store a scanned copy on a secure cloud storage service.
Use certified true copies for most applications instead of carrying the original everywhere.
Avoid giving it out without a clear reason or a formal acknowledgment.

Conclusion

Losing your NYSC certificate can be stressful, but it’s not the end of your career journey. The process is clear: report to the police, swear an affidavit, gather your documents, and apply for a replacement directly at the NYSC headquarters in Abuja. While the replacement may be marked as such, it is still valid for jobs, postgraduate studies, and other official uses. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping your new certificate safe, you can avoid future setbacks and continue your professional journey without obstacles.