My friend studied for her first degree in Scotland. After graduating, she came back to Nigeria and decided she wanted to do NYSC.
The problem was she had no idea where to start and she couldn’t find any guides online.
Unlike someone who graduated from a Nigerian university and is already familiar with the NYSC process, she had to first figure out how her foreign degree could be recognised before she could proceed with NYSC.
If you studied abroad and want to serve in Nigeria too, this is what you should know.
1. Get your foreign degree documents ready
Start with your degree certificate and academic transcript. Make sure you have the original documents and any other documents relating to your study.
2. Get your foreign qualification evaluated
Because your degree was obtained outside Nigeria, you may need to have it evaluated and verified before NYSC can process you.
This is an important step, so don’t wait until the NYSC registration deadline before starting it.
3. Check your eligibility
NYSC has specific requirements for graduates of foreign institutions. Your age, graduation date, course of study and other details can affect your eligibility.
4. Register through the NYSC process for foreign-trained graduates
Once your documents and qualification are in order, follow the NYSC registration process specifically for foreign-trained graduates.
You’ll be asked to upload or provide your academic and identification documents.
5. Be prepared for physical verification
Foreign-trained graduates may have to present their original documents for physical verification. So keep your original certificate, passport and other relevant documents safe.
The biggest mistake my friend almost made would have been waiting until registration opened before figuring everything out.
If you studied in the UK, US, Canada, Scotland or anywhere else and you’re planning to do NYSC in Nigeria, start preparing your documents early.
The process can involve more steps than it does for someone who graduated from a Nigerian university.
My friend eventually figured out what she needed to do, but I honestly wish she had known all of this before coming back.
Did you study abroad and come back to Nigeria for NYSC? What was your experience like?
