President Bola Tinubu has approved a new directive making compliance with the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy a compulsory requirement for mobilisation or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The order, issued in a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, invokes provisions of the NYSC Act and takes effect from October 6, 2025.
Under the policy, all Nigerian graduates—whether from local or foreign institutions—must present proof of NERD compliance before NYSC registration or exemption. One of the key requirements includes the mandatory deposit of academic outputs such as theses and project reports, designed to serve as a quality assurance and proof of continuous academic engagement.
The move aims to curb certificate fraud, degree racketeering, and honours abuse, while safeguarding Nigeria’s intellectual property. It also introduces an academic output monetisation mechanism, allowing students and lecturers to earn lifetime revenues from deposited research works.
NERD officials confirmed that academic submissions will include the names of students, supervisors, and heads of departments, ensuring accountability and improved supervision standards across higher institutions.
The directive, officials said, is Nigeria’s most decisive step yet toward digitising higher education, preserving intellectual assets, and enhancing global competitiveness. Institutions, MDAs, and critical data bodies such as NIMC will provide inter-agency support to strengthen compliance and validation processes.
