FG Considers Tests for Foreign Graduates Before NYSC Mobilisation

The Federal Government is considering introducing assessment tests for Nigerians who obtain university degrees abroad before they can be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The proposal was announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, during the 37th meeting of the National Standing Committee on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja.

Olatunji-David said the proposed tests would help determine whether foreign-trained graduates have the knowledge and skills expected of holders of their qualifications.

She expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians obtaining degrees from foreign universities, particularly in West African countries, and stressed the need to maintain academic standards.

According to her, the government supports international education but must ensure that qualifications presented for recognition in Nigeria meet the required standards.

She therefore urged the committee to consider introducing assessment tests as part of the process of evaluating foreign degrees for NYSC mobilisation.

However, the proposal has not been approved, and the ministry has yet to announce when the tests could begin or how they would be conducted.

The acting permanent secretary also raised concerns about the increasing cases of forged Nigerian and foreign degree certificates, stressing the need to ensure that only genuine qualifications from accredited institutions are recognised.

She disclosed that the ministry had digitalised the evaluation of foreign certificates and authentication of Nigerian qualifications since the beginning of 2026 to improve the process.

The ministry is also responsible for verifying foreign qualifications, authenticating certificates and issuing clearance letters for foreign-trained graduates seeking NYSC mobilisation.

The proposed assessment tests, if approved, would introduce an additional stage in the evaluation of foreign degrees before their holders can be cleared for national service.