Graduating students of the 2023/2024 academic session from the University of Maiduguri have written an open letter to the Vice Chancellor, appealing for urgent intervention over the prolonged delay in their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization.
In the letter made available to Insight Northeast on Sunday, the graduates expressed deep concern that a full year after completing their studies, they have yet to be mobilized for the compulsory national service.
The letter, signed on behalf of the graduating cohort, lamented that the delay has caused significant hardship, including age-related disqualification for some, and loss of career, academic, and other professional opportunities for many.
“It has now been a full year since our graduation, yet we have not been allowed to register for the NYSC program,” the statement read. “Sadly, the delay has already led to exemptions for some of our colleagues who have now exceeded the NYSC age limit, while others continue to face uncertainty.”
The students acknowledged the efforts of the university in maintaining academic standards and appreciated the administration’s commitment to student welfare. However, they urged the Vice Chancellor to ensure immediate resolution of the issue.
“We kindly and earnestly appeal for your intervention to ensure that our names are uploaded to the NYSC Senate list and that the mobilization process is completed without further delay,” the letter stated.
The students emphasized that prompt action would bring much-needed relief to hundreds of young Nigerians waiting to fulfill their national obligation through the NYSC.
When contacted for comment, a university official who preferred anonymity confirmed awareness of the issue and assured that the administration is working closely with the relevant departments to address the matter.
NYSC scheme remains a prerequisite for Nigerian graduates below the age of 30 seeking employment in public institutions or admission into further academic programs.
