NANS Wants Verification Of Nigerien Varsities Before NYSC Mobilisation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed support for the Nigerian government’s decision to verify the authenticity of academic qualifications from certain universities in the Republic of Niger before determining their graduates’ eligibility for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The national president of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, who stated this during a press conference held at the weekend,said justice, fairness, quality assurance and accountability must remain the guiding principles in resolving the controversy surrounding the non-mobilisation of some graduates from universities in the Republic of Niger for the NYSC scheme.

Afeez emphasised that Nigerian authorities must adhere to established verification procedures and rely on the list of institutions officially recognised by the relevant quality assurance authorities in the Republic of Niger.

The association also advised students and proprietors of institutions whose names are missing from the approved list to seek clarification from the relevant authorities in the Republic of Niger through established legal and diplomatic channels.

Furthermore, NANS cautioned against dragging the name of Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, into the controversy without credible evidence linking him to the specific regulatory decisions taken by the relevant education authorities.

NANS also acknowledged the importance of the Nigeria–Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation as an established platform for dialogue and resolving issues affecting both countries.

In addition, the association advised Nigerians intending to study in the Republic of Niger to consult the Federal Ministry of Education before accepting admission offers or paying tuition fees, in order to verify the recognition status of their preferred institutions and understand the requirements for qualification recognition and NYSC eligibility.

Finally, NANS called on the Nigerian and Nigerien authorities to provide timely and accurate information while ensuring that established procedures are followed in addressing the concerns of affected graduates.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students, stressing that it would not support the use of student activism to protect any violation of the law or established quality assurance standards.