Affected graduates seek explanation from university management, urge NYSC, NUC intervention
Graduates of the Department of Architecture, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have called on the university management to urgently explain the circumstances surrounding their inability to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation exercise for about 15 months.
The affected graduates, in a statement issued on their behalf, lamented that despite completing their academic programmes, they had remained unable to proceed for national service due to what they described as an unresolved institutional or administrative challenge.
They expressed concern that the prolonged delay had disrupted their transition into professional life, while the absence of a definitive explanation from the relevant authorities had heightened their uncertainty.
The graduates, who said they had invested years of dedication and considerable financial resources in their education, demanded written clarification from the university management on the exact cause of the mobilisation problem and the steps being taken to resolve it.
They specifically sought to know whether the Architecture programme had been duly submitted, verified and recognised in NYSC records, as well as whether any outstanding accreditation, documentation or institutional records issues were responsible for the delay.
They also asked the university to disclose its engagements with the NYSC and provide the official position of the corps on the matter, including a definite timeline for the mobilisation of all eligible affected graduates.
Highlighting the consequences of the delay, the graduates said some of them had lost scholarship opportunities, while others risked being excluded from employment opportunities and graduate trainee programmes requiring NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.
They further expressed concern that prolonged administrative uncertainty could affect graduates approaching the age threshold for exemption from national service.
Citing Section 2(2)(a) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, they noted that graduates above 30 years at the date of graduation are eligible for exemption, warning that the situation could have serious implications for affected individuals.
The graduates, however, stressed that their agitation was not aimed at securing preferential treatment or circumventing established regulations but at demanding transparency, accountability and the fulfilment of institutional responsibilities.
“The University admitted us, trained us and awarded our degrees. It is therefore reasonable to expect the Management to demonstrate the necessary administrative commitment towards resolving any institutional or regulatory challenges preventing our mobilisation,” the statement read.
They called on the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and relevant faculty and departmental authorities to publicly clarify the cause of the challenge, disclose the status of their engagements with the NYSC and other regulatory bodies, and take immediate steps to address any outstanding issues.
They also appealed to the NYSC Directorate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to provide clarification and intervene where necessary.
Expressing frustration over what they described as 15 months without definitive answers, the affected graduates said they had exercised patience and explored appropriate channels but could no longer accept silence as a response.
“Fifteen months without definitive answers is unacceptable. Graduates should not have their futures, employment prospects and professional aspirations jeopardised by unresolved administrative challenges,” they said.
The statement was signed by the affected graduates of the Department of Architecture, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, who urged the university management to provide a clear pathway towards their mobilisation for national service.
