The National Universities Commission (NUC) has signalled a policy shift that could end the long-standing exclusion of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) graduates from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed that the commission is set to engage NYSC authorities to reassess the current mobilisation framework, following concerns raised by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, who also serves as Chancellor of NOUN.

The monarch had criticised the existing policy as inequitable, noting that it places NOUN graduates at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts from conventional universities.

Ribadu acknowledged that the exclusion policy was originally designed around NOUN’s earlier structure, which catered largely to older, working-class students—many of whom were above the NYSC age limit of 30.

However, he pointed out that the university’s demographic profile has evolved significantly in recent years, with a growing number of younger graduates now falling within the eligible age bracket for national service.

According to him, this shift necessitates a strategic review to align policy with current realities in Nigeria’s higher education system.

If implemented, the move would represent a major adjustment in the NYSC framework, potentially opening the door for thousands of NOUN graduates to participate in the national service scheme.

The development signals a broader effort to promote equity in the education sector and ensure that all qualified graduates have equal access to national opportunities.