UNIZIK Graduates Must Collect NYSC Exemption Certificates by October 31

Nnamdi Azikiwe University requires all graduates exempted from National Youth Service Corps for 2025 Batch A Stream I to collect their exemption certificates before October 31, 2025.

The Student Affairs Department issued this directive to ensure graduates receive their documentation before NYSC returns unclaimed certificates to headquarters.

Who This Affects

This notice applies to UNIZIK graduates who received NYSC exemption for the 2025 Batch A Stream I mobilization exercise. NYSC grants exemptions based on age (graduates above 30 years) or other qualifying circumstances defined in the NYSC Act.

If NYSC approved your exemption application, you need this certificate for employment and further education purposes.

Collection Process

Visit the Exemption and Exclusion Unit within UNIZIK's Student Affairs Department. Bring valid identification - your student ID card or graduation documents - to verify your identity.

The unit operates during standard university working hours. Plan your visit during less busy periods to avoid long queues, particularly avoiding the final weeks before the October deadline.

Why NYSC Exemption Certificates Matter

Many Nigerian employers require either NYSC discharge certificates or exemption certificates before confirming employment. Without this documentation, you cannot complete hiring processes even with strong qualifications.

Postgraduate programs also request NYSC documentation during admission. Exemption certificates satisfy this requirement for eligible graduates.

Professional certification bodies often include NYSC documentation among mandatory registration requirements.

Deadline Enforcement

The October 31 deadline is firm. NYSC headquarters requires universities to return unclaimed certificates after this date, making later collection significantly more complicated.

Retrieving certificates after they're returned to NYSC headquarters involves traveling to Abuja and navigating federal bureaucracy - a process far more time-consuming than collecting directly from your university.

Lost or Damaged Certificates

If you previously received your exemption certificate but lost it, contact the Student Affairs Department about replacement procedures before the October deadline.

Replacement typically requires completing an affidavit and paying processing fees, but obtaining duplicates through your university proves easier than requesting them from NYSC headquarters later.

For Current Students

Students still completing degrees should note NYSC exemption policies. Graduates over 30 years at graduation automatically qualify for exemption, as do those with specific medical conditions or other circumstances outlined in NYSC regulations.

For students preparing for university entrance or graduation, Ulearngo provides study materials and exam preparation resources.

Source: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Student Affairs Department