The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has introduced a new verification requirement for prospective corps members, declaring that graduates without clearance from the National Electronic Registration Database (NERD) will not be mobilised for national service.
The scheme announced the directive in a notice published on its official X handle on Monday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ orientation exercise.
According to the NYSC, obtaining NERD clearance has become a mandatory step in the mobilisation process, warning that failure to secure the verification could prevent eligible graduates from participating in the national service programme.
The agency urged prospective corps members to complete the clearance process ahead of time to avoid disruptions to their mobilisation.
“This is to inform PCMs (Prospective Corps Members) that without NERD clearance, no NYSC. Get your NERD clearance early. Avoid delays in your mobilisation,” the notice read.
It further stressed the importance of the requirement, stating: “NERD clearance is compulsory for all PCMs. No NERD clearance, No NYSC!!!”
Although the NYSC did not explain how the clearance would be processed, the move is seen as part of efforts to tighten verification procedures and ensure that only duly qualified graduates are mobilised for national service.
The announcement follows the scheme’s recent commencement of mobilisation activities for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ service year, during which tertiary institutions and prospective corps members were directed to complete all necessary registration and documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
The latest directive also comes on the heels of another advisory issued by the NYSC on the safety of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps.
The scheme had advised them to avoid night travel, urging those embarking on long-distance journeys to stop over in secure locations or designated military and other security formations where necessary before continuing their trips.
