NANS Faults 7-Year Denial Of NYSC For Niger Republic Varsity Graduates

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in the Republic of Niger has raised the alarm over what it described as seven years of injustice against more than 25,000 Nigerian graduates denied mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, the association’s president, Senator Abubakar Muhammad Uwaisu, said the affected graduates had fulfilled all academic and legal requirements but remained stranded.

“These are not illegal students. These are not unqualified graduates,” he said.

“They are Nigerians who studied in recognised and accredited universities in the Republic of Niger, complied with every requirement, obtained clearance from the Federal Ministry of Education, and registered with the NYSC in good faith.”

Uwaisu lamented that, despite meeting all the conditions, many graduates had their futures put on hold.

“Their dreams are delayed. Their futures are on hold. Their lives are paused not because they failed, but because the system has failed them,” he added.

He noted that the affected graduates had waited for seven years without any resolution.

“For seven years, they have waited. For seven years, they have hoped. For seven years, they have been ignored. And we must ask — why?” he queried.

The NANS president alleged a deliberate attempt by certain individuals to frustrate the mobilisation process through false petitions and misleading communications.

“The answer is disturbing. There is a deliberate and sustained effort by certain individuals and interests to frustrate this process,” Uwaisu said.

He explained that such communications were often submitted in the name of unknown or unregistered associations, falsely claiming to originate from the Republic of Niger.

However, he clarified that the Nigerien government had denied issuing such letters.

“The Government of Niger has officially denied such communications and has clearly stated that all official correspondence is transmitted strictly through diplomatic channels,” he said.

Uwaisu questioned why verified documents were being ignored while questionable ones were entertained.

“Why are falsehoods being elevated above verified truth? Who benefits from the suffering of over 25,000 Nigerian youths?” he asked.

Describing the situation as “institutional injustice”, he warned of its far-reaching impact, including emotional trauma, financial hardship, delayed careers and growing disillusionment among affected graduates.

“This is no longer just an administrative delay — this is institutional injustice,” he said.

He also cautioned that the development could create diplomatic contradictions between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger if not urgently addressed.