NYSC Makes NERD Clearance Mandatory for Corps Members' Mobilisation

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that National Electronic Registration Database (NERD) clearance is now a compulsory requirement for the mobilisation of all prospective corps members. The scheme warned that graduates who fail to obtain the clearance will not be mobilised for national service, urging eligible candidates to complete the process early to avoid delays.

The directive was contained in a public notice issued on the NYSC's official X account as preparations intensify for the 2026 Batch 'B' orientation exercise. Reiterating the mandatory nature of the policy, the scheme declared, "No NERD clearance, No NYSC," stressing that every prospective corps member must comply before mobilisation.

Although the NYSC did not provide additional details on the clearance procedure in the notice, the policy is part of the Federal Government's broader effort to strengthen the credibility of the mobilisation process and eliminate certificate fraud. The NERD compliance requirement had earlier been approved as part of reforms aimed at ensuring that only duly verified graduates participate in the national service programme.

The latest advisory comes shortly after the scheme announced the mobilisation of another batch of prospective corps members and reminded tertiary institutions to complete all necessary documentation ahead of the orientation exercise. It also follows recent safety advisories urging corps members to avoid night travel while proceeding to orientation camps.

The NYSC advised prospective corps members to begin the NERD clearance process without delay to ensure a seamless mobilisation. The scheme maintained that compliance with all registration and verification requirements would help improve transparency, accountability and the overall integrity of the national service programme.