Not every graduate serves. Depending on your situation, NYSC will either mobilise you for service, give you an exemption certificate, or give you an exclusion letter. All three are official documents that employers accept.

You will serve if…

You are a Nigerian who graduated from a recognised university or polytechnic (HND) and you were under 30 when you graduated.

The 30-year rule

What matters is your age on the date you graduated — not your age when you register.

  • Graduated at 29? You're eligible to serve, even if you register years later.
  • Graduated at 30 or above? You'll receive an exemption certificate instead.

NYSC checks your date of birth against your records (for most graduates, your JAMB record; for foreign-trained graduates, your passport).

Other reasons for exemption

You are also exempted if you have:

  • Served in the Armed Forces or the Nigeria Police Force for more than nine months, or
  • Been conferred with a National Honour.

Exclusion

Graduates of part-time programmes don't serve. They register online and print an exclusion letter.

Foreign-trained graduates

Nigerians who studied abroad can serve too, but they upload extra documents, including their O'Level results, full transcript, international passport data page, student visa and travel dates. Requirements are listed on the official NYSC website.