How to Get NYSC Certificate Without Serving in Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory one (1) year service exercise for Nigerian graduates. It begins with a three (3) weeks of orientation exercise at the NYSC camp.

At the NYSC orientation camp, graduates undergo military training as part of the Youth service. Afterwhich they are posted to the place of their primary assignment.

The NYSC program is only available to Nigerian graduates below thirty (30) years. Nigerians who studied abroad from a recognizable university are eligible to apply for NYSC.

Graduates above thirty (30) cannot go for NYSC but will get an NYSC exemption letter. There is no disadvantage whatsoever with the exemption NYSC certificate.

This post is about getting the NYSC certificate without serving in Nigeria.

Let me know in the comment box if you have any questions or need further guidance. I would love to hear from you.

How to Get NYSC Certificate Without Serving in Nigeria

It is possible to get the NYSC certificate without serving in Nigeria. But you must register with the NYSC to get the NYSC certificate.

There is news of Nigerians who reportedly completed the NYSC program without full participation.

It is illegal to get the NYSC certificate without serving. You must do your registration on the NYSC registration online portal to get the discharge certificate.

Here are the ways you can get the NYSC certificate without serving in Nigeria;

  1. Register for NYSC
  2. Attend NYSC Orientation Program
  3. Get Assistance

Register for NYSC

The first step to getting the NYSC certificate without serving in Nigeria is to complete the Youth Service online registration.

You must be registered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to get your discharge certificate.

Your school senate must forward your name to the NYSC portal before you can complete your online registration.

Check your school NYSC to confirm your name is on the list.

Attend NYSC Orientation Program

The NYSC orientation program is compulsory for every Youth Service Corps member.

NYSC orientation camping activities are at the military barracks for twenty-one (21) days.

During this period, you would participate in physical activities and entrepreneurship programs.

See the list of things you need for the NYSC orientation camp here.

Get Assistance

The only way to get the NYSC certificate without serving is to get assistance at your place of primary assignment (PPA).

It would be a kind of arrangement where you would be a ghost corper. That is, acknowledgement of your absence to be present.

Another option is to do your NYSC in an establishment that does not require your physical presence.

Let me get your questions in the comment box below.

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33 thoughts on “How to Get NYSC Certificate Without Serving in Nigeria”

    • Unfortunately, you cannot receive an exemption letter during NYSC service. The decision on exemption happens before you begin your service year. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

      Pre-Service Exemption:

      Exemption is determined before you start your NYSC service, typically during registration.

      You cannot apply for exemption; NYSC determines it based on specific criteria outlined in the NYSC Act.

      Reply
  1. If I have to travel abroad for my master’s while doing NYSC, and I don’t want to miss this admission and opportunity. What can I do?
    I am still serving and have to travel out for my masters before the completion of my service year.

    Reply
    • Traveling abroad for your master’s while still serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) requires careful consideration and adherence to specific guidelines. Here’s what you can do:

      1. Seek Permission from NYSC:

      – Apply for Permission to Travel: Submit a formal application to the NYSC Director-General through your State Coordinator requesting permission to travel abroad for your master’s program.

      – Attach Relevant Documents: Include your admission letter, visa, travel itinerary, and any other relevant documents supporting your application.

      – State Purpose of Travel: Clearly explain the purpose of your travel and its significance to your career development and national service.

      – Await Approval: NYSC will review your application and make a decision. The process can take several weeks, so ensure you submit your application well in advance.

      2. Secure Leave of Absence from NYSC:

      – Apply for Leave of Absence: If granted permission to travel by NYSC, submit a separate application for leave of absence to your State Coordinator.

      – Specify Leave Duration: Clearly state the duration of your leave, ensuring it covers the entire period of your studies abroad.

      – Maintain Communication: Stay in touch with your NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) and State Secretariat throughout your leave of absence.

      – Resume Service After Completion: Upon completion of your studies, return to Nigeria and resume your NYSC service for the remaining period.

      3. Explore Alternative Solutions:

      – Defer Admission: If possible, consider requesting a deferral of your admission to a later date after completing your NYSC service.

      – Online Learning Options: Explore online or blended learning programs that allow you to complete a portion of your master’s studies remotely while still serving in Nigeria.

      – Part-Time Studies: Consider pursuing a part-time master’s program after completing your NYSC service. This allows you to juggle work and studies while fulfilling your service obligation.

      4. Important Points to Remember:

      – Deadline for Applications: Submit your applications for travel permission and leave of absence well in advance of your intended travel date.

      – Penalties for Unapproved Travel: Traveling abroad without permission from NYSC can result in penalties, including extension of service year, forfeiture of allowances, or even discharge.

      Reply
  2. Hi, please can someone that has completed the camping but suddenly have to travel abroad for education still get the certificate? That is without completing the PPA

    Reply
  3. Hi, my sister is studying abroad, but she maintained she won’t come back for her service. Please is there a way out for her, can she obtain her certificate of service without actually serving in Nigeria? Better still, can she do it in some way without being present? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi, there.

      Unfortunately, there is no way for your sister to obtain her certificate of service without actually serving in Nigeria. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory one-year program for all Nigerian graduates, and there are no exceptions for those who study abroad.

      There are a few ways that your sister could fulfill her NYSC obligations without actually coming back to Nigeria. She could:

      1. Apply for a deferral. This is a temporary postponement of NYSC service, and it is usually granted for reasons such as medical problems or family emergencies.

      2. Apply for an exemption. This is a permanent waiver of NYSC service, and it is usually granted for reasons such as disability or being a member of the armed forces.

      3. Volunteer for a foreign-based NYSC program. There are a few NYSC programs that are offered in other countries, and these programs allow Nigerian graduates to fulfill their NYSC obligations without coming back to Nigeria.

      However, if your sister does not want to serve in NYSC at all, then she will not be able to obtain her certificate of service. The NYSC certificate is a requirement for many jobs in Nigeria, so your sister may have difficulty finding employment if she does not have the certificate.

      I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

      Reply
  4. Hi,what about people who are attending a foreign university but doing so online. (Online Bsc degree)
    When they’re done how can they apply for nysc.

    Reply
    • If you have completed an online degree from a foreign university, you can still apply for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). However, there are some requirements that you need to meet in order to be eligible.

      1. Your degree must be accredited by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). You can check the NUC website to see if your university is accredited.
      2. You must have obtained a minimum of five credits in your O-Level exams, including English and Mathematics.
      3. You must have a valid Nigerian passport.
      4. You must be physically fit.

      Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the NYSC online. You will need to provide your personal information, your academic transcripts, and your O-Level results. You will also need to pay a processing fee.

      If your application is approved, you will be posted to a state in Nigeria to complete your NYSC service. You will be required to serve for one year, during which time you will be assigned to a community development project.

      Reply
  5. My daughter was posted to a riverine remote area in River State. She will need need to cross with boat , no light, bad water. She took I’ll and had a near death experience and had to come home, thank God she survived but all efforts to redeploy has failed. What should we do

    Reply
    • I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s challenging situation.

      Reach out to the NYSC officials and explain the circumstances surrounding your daughter’s situation.

      Provide them with any supporting documentation, such as medical reports, to substantiate her condition. Request their assistance in redeploying her to a safer location due to the health risks and difficulties she encountered.

      Reply
      • Please what other ways can someone get exemption? I am working already my office requires the exemption, I finished school at 29 what do I please?

        Reply
        • If you are already working and your employer requires NYSC exemption, you can apply for exemption through the NYSC website. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, such as a copy of your birth certificate, your university degree, or a letter from your employer.

          The processing time for NYSC exemption applications is typically 90 days.

          Here are the steps on how to apply for NYSC exemption:

          1. Go to the NYSC website and create an account.
          2. Click on the “Exclusion/Exemption” tab.
          3. Select the type of exemption you are applying for.
          4. Complete the application form and upload the required documentation.
          5. Pay the application fee.
          6. Submit your application.

          You will receive a notification from NYSC once your application has been processed. If your application is approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Exemption. You can then present this certificate to your employer as proof of your exemption from NYSC.

          I hope this helps!

          Reply
    • Adebayo, my daughter has a similar experience. We are looking for way out. We have tried relocation twice, it still did not work.
      Please who can help us o

      Reply
  6. Hello, my name is Isaac. I have graduated from the University since 2018, and I collected my result (statement of result). But since then, my school has never uploaded my name for nysc service. Please help me, I just needed the nysc certificate so I can forge ahead in my academics, I went to go for my leg, and beyond. Can someone help me out, my (Kogi state Uni), I’ll reserve my comment. Someone should help me please. 08033538824

    Reply
    • Dear Isaac,

      You’ll need to report back to your school. It’s only after your name has been uploaded by the school that you can register for NYSC.

      Reply

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