Geography Graduate Explains Why NYSC Issued Him Exemption Certificate
A Nigerian man has gone viral on social media after sharing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate and explaining why he was exempted from the mandatory service. The graduate, identified as Abdullahi Hussaini, posted the certificate on his X (formerly Twitter) account, sparking widespread discussion.
Details of the Exemption
The certificate, issued by the NYSC Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, stated that Hussaini was exempted on grounds of age. According to the document, he was born on December 4, 1994, and graduated with a degree in Geography from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on May 7, 2025. The exemption was granted under Sections 2(2) and 17(1) and (3) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap N84, LFN 2004. The certificate was issued on April 22, 2026.
Graduate's Reaction
Sharing the certificate online, Hussaini expressed his thoughts on being exempted. He wrote: "Received my NYSC Exemption Certificate today. NYSC said, 'You are exempted.' I said, 'Fair enough, I can't serve a country that didn't serve me either.' No khaki, no camp, no mosquito bites. We move!"
Public Reactions
The post attracted numerous reactions from Nigerians. Some users questioned the policy, while others shared their own experiences. A user named Yakubu asked: "So I can wait till I am above 30, even if I graduated at let's say 24?" Another user, Prince, warned: "If you use this to secure a government job in Nigeria, you will still serve because you won't be placed on the same level with someone that served Nigeria. If you are engaged on Level 7 step 2, they will place someone that served on Level 7 step 3 and he will be your senior by a year." Ambode noted: "As at the time you graduated, you are 30 plus 5 months, meaning you are exempted because of age." Mo added: "This is actually my first time seeing an exemption certificate."
Background on NYSC Age Exemption
According to the NYSC Act, graduates who are 30 years and above at the time of graduation are exempted from the mandatory one-year service. This policy aims to accommodate older graduates who may have started their education later or faced delays. However, some critics argue that the exemption can limit career opportunities, as many employers require the NYSC certificate for employment.
Similar Cases
Previously, a Nigerian woman who graduated with a first-class degree expressed frustration after being barred from NYSC service due to age. She noted that turning 30 made her ineligible, limiting access to graduate roles that require the NYSC certificate.
