NYSC NEWS
NYSC and Age: What Every Graduate Must Know Before Turning 30
Age remains a key determinant of eligibility for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria, as outlined in Section 2 of the NYSC Act.
According to the Act, Nigerian graduates, whether from local or foreign institutions, are eligible to participate in the scheme as long as they graduate before their 30th birthday.
For those above the age limit, the NYSC issues an Exemption Letter, which serves as a legal equivalent to the NYSC discharge certificate required for employment in Nigeria.
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However, contrary to popular belief, turning 30 does not automatically disqualify graduates from the scheme. Situations such as academic strikes or administrative delays in mobilization may extend a graduate’s eligibility, provided they completed their academic program before their 30th birthday.
This provision ensures fairness, acknowledging challenges that may delay enlistment but do not diminish the graduate’s qualification to serve.