The Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) has clarified the transitional arrangements for graduating students and tertiary institutions, following the Federal Government’s enforcement of the mandatory NERD compliance policy.
In a statement released on Friday by the NERD National Secretariat, the agency sought to ease concerns over how the policy might affect prospective graduates, especially those awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to the statement, the directive mandating full institutional and graduate compliance with the NERD Policy and Clearance Framework officially took effect on October 6, 2025.
However, after consultations with relevant stakeholders, including NYSC officials and affected students, NERD introduced temporary relief measures to cushion the transition.
Transitional measures for 2025 graduates
NERD confirmed that graduating students in the 2025 NYSC Batch C will not be affected by the full enforcement of the policy.
The Secretariat explained that since mobilisation for this group began before the October 6 deadline, they fall within the transitional period and will not face penalties under the new system.
“This decision recognises that these students fall within the transitional period, and their mobilisation processes had started before the deadline set by the new Federal Government directive,” the statement read.
The agency added that full enforcement of the NERD compliance framework will apply to all graduates mobilising for NYSC from January/February 2026 onward.
At that stage, both students and institutions must meet all documentation and clearance requirements specified in the new system.
Towards stronger education data management
NERD explained that the compliance directive forms part of a wider government effort to improve education data management, enhance the authenticity of graduate records, and align documentation with Nigeria’s development goals.
The Secretariat also congratulated all graduating students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, describing them as “the promise of our nation” and key contributors to Nigeria’s future.
NERD reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with tertiary institutions and government agencies to ensure a seamless transition and full implementation of the policy without disadvantaging students.
Could this policy restore order and integrity to Nigeria’s education records system—or will it become another bureaucratic burden on schools and graduates?
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