In a major clarification that brings relief to thousands of graduating students and prospective corps members across Nigeria, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) has released an official statement explaining how the Federal Government’s NERD Compliance Directive, which became effective on 6 October 2025, will be implemented.
The statement—signed by the Secretary to the Governing Council, National Secretariat of NERD—provides key transitional details and removes uncertainty surrounding the new requirement that links NYSC mobilization and academic verification through the NERD platform.
According to the release, the government’s credential-verification policy is still in force, but with a clear distinction between those already in the NYSC process and those yet to begin.
Below are the major highlights of the NERD clarification issued on 17 October 2025:
- Batch C 2025 Corps Members fall under a “transitional bracket.”
This means all students who were already mobilized, undergoing clearance, or registered before the 6 October 2025 cut-off are exempted from immediate NERD compliance. - Those currently in camp or already cleared by their schools can proceed without delay.
NERD confirms that the ongoing NYSC orientation and registration for Batch C 2025 will not be interrupted. - Full enforcement begins from 2026 batches.
Graduates who will be mobilized from January or February 2026 onward must present valid NERD compliance certificates before registration or exemption. - NERD and NYSC are collaborating for a seamless process.
Both agencies are aligning their databases and verification systems to ensure that Batch C 2025 can complete registration smoothly when the NYSC portal reopens. - Institutions and students urged to prepare early.
Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are advised to commence onboarding on the official NERD portal ahead of the next mobilization cycle.
The Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) is a Federal Government-approved central system created to collect, verify, and preserve academic records and research outputs from all tertiary institutions in Nigeria and abroad.
In September 2025, the government announced that proof of NERD compliance would become a mandatory condition for NYSC mobilisation and exemption. The policy, driven by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aims to curb certificate forgery, standardize academic data, and enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
The sudden enforcement date of 6 October 2025, however, sparked concern among students who feared being locked out of NYSC registration. The new clarification issued this week finally brings relief and sets clear timelines.
Reactions from Campuses and Prospective Corps Members
The clarification has been widely welcomed across tertiary institutions.
Student unions and mobilisation officers describe it as a “timely intervention” that prevents disruptions for the current batch.
“NERD’s clarification shows the government is listening,” said Blessing Eze, a final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt. “We were anxious that our mobilization might be delayed, but now we can breathe easy.”
Mobilisation officers in several universities have also confirmed that they are already working on their NERD institutional registration to ensure full compliance before 2026.
NERD’s Assurance and Next Steps
NERD reassured all stakeholders that it remains committed to a smooth transition period. The Secretariat stated that its team is currently integrating with the NYSC database to allow real-time clearance validation.
Graduates and institutions are encouraged to:
- Visit the official portal — www.ned.gov.ng — for verified information.
- Use only authorized channels for registration and enquiries.
- Avoid third-party agents or unverified platforms claiming to offer “NERD clearance.”
Implications for 2026 Graduates
From next year’s mobilisation cycle, NERD compliance will be non-negotiable.
Graduates will need to:
- Upload their final-year theses or projects to the NERD portal.
- Obtain a unique NERD Clearance Slip or Deposit ID, confirming that their academic output has been verified.
- Present the clearance during NYSC registration or exemption processing.
Institutions, on the other hand, must:
- Register official NERD accounts.
- Designate NERD focal officers.
- Guide students through the digital upload process.
Failure to comply may result in mobilisation delays or outright disqualification for the service year.
A New Digital Era for Education Verification
This development marks a new era of accountability and digitization in Nigeria’s higher-education sector. While Batch C 2025 enjoys temporary relief, the clock is ticking for future graduates.
The NERD directive represents a fundamental shift — where every graduate’s academic journey becomes verifiable, traceable, and securely stored within a national database.
As NERD and NYSC prepare for full rollout in 2026, all stakeholders are urged to get familiar with the process early. The age of manual record-keeping is ending — and the future of Nigerian education is undeniably digital.
For Enquiries:
Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD)
Website: www.ned.gov.ng
Email: secretariat@ned.gov.ng
Stay connected to NYSC Pioneers News Desk for further updates on NERD compliance, NYSC registration schedules, and Batch C 2025 mobilisation guidelines.
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