The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said it will review the exclusion of graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed that the move followed concerns raised by the Chancellor of NOUN and Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over what he described as unequal treatment of NOUN graduates.
The monarch had called for policy reforms to allow eligible graduates of the institution to participate in the NYSC scheme, noting that the current restriction places them at a disadvantage.
Responding, Ribadu assured that the Commission would engage the leadership of NYSC to review the existing mobilisation framework.
“I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor in his speech about the lack of mobilization of NOUN graduates for NYSC.
“I want to assure you, at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, because the dynamics have changed,” he said.
He explained that the earlier policy was based on the demographic profile of NOUN students, who were largely working professionals above the age limit for NYSC participation.
“Unlike in the past, where graduates of NOUN are 30 years and above; in recent times, you have graduates of a younger age, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age,” he said.
