Can NYSC Be Done Twice? The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year mandatory program for Nigerian graduates who are below the age of 30. The aim of the program is to foster national unity, integration, and development among the youth. The NYSC program consists of three phases: orientation, primary assignment, and passing out.
However, some graduates may have reasons to apply for NYSC relocation, registration, or revalidation. These are processes that allow corps members to change their state of deployment, register for a new batch, or revalidate their registration if they missed the previous batch. But can these processes be done twice? And can someone serve NYSC twice?
In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a comprehensive guide on the NYSC participation and exceptions. We will also explain the rules and regulations of the NYSC program and the consequences of violating them. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to make the most of your NYSC service year and avoid any problems or penalties.
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About NYSC Program
The NYSC program is a program designed to be a one-time service for Nigerian graduates who are below the age of 30. The aim of the program is to expose the youths to the diverse cultures, languages, and socio-economic conditions of the country, and to foster national unity, integration, and development. The NYSC program also provides an opportunity for the youths to contribute to the development of their host communities and to acquire skills and experience that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurship.
According to the NYSC Act of 1973, which established the NYSC program, any person who has served in the armed forces or the Nigeria Police Force for a period of more than nine months, or who is a member of the staff of the Nigerian Security Organization, the State Security Service, or the National Intelligence Agency, is exempted from the NYSC program. Also, any person who has been conferred with any National Honour is exempted from the NYSC program.
Therefore, the NYSC program is not meant to be repeated or done twice by any graduate, unless there are exceptional circumstances that warrant such a decision. Such circumstances may include:
- A mistake or error in the mobilization or deployment process that resulted in the wrong batch, stream, or state of deployment for a corps member.
- A medical or security reason that prevented a corps member from completing the NYSC program in the initial state of deployment, and necessitated a relocation or revalidation to another state or batch.
- A disciplinary or legal action that led to the cancellation or termination of the NYSC program for a corps member, and required a remobilization or re-enrollment to another batch or state.
Can NYSC Be Done Twice?
No, It is not legal to do NYSC twice. Serving more than once begs for 2 years imprisonment or an N4,000 fine or both under Section 13(b) of the National Youth Service Corps Act.
Even the system knows there are loopholes that may make prospects serve more than once, but it clearly states that such perpetrators would be punished accordingly above.
Why Would Someone Consider Doing NYSC Twice?
There are various reasons why some graduates may consider serving in the NYSC program twice. Some of these reasons are:
- To gain more experience and exposure in a different field, sector, or region of the country.
- To pursue a higher degree or professional qualification that requires an NYSC certificate as a prerequisite.
- To take advantage of the NYSC benefits and incentives, such as the monthly allowance, the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program, the NYSC foundation loan, and the NYSC job portal.
- To avoid or delay the challenges and uncertainties of the labor market or the business environment.
- To fulfill a personal or family obligation or expectation that is related to the NYSC program.
However, these reasons are not valid or sufficient to justify serving in the NYSC program twice. The NYSC program is not a means to an end, but a phase in the life of a graduate. The NYSC program is not a guarantee of success or happiness, but a platform for learning and contributing. The NYSC program is not a permanent solution or escape, but a temporary opportunity and challenge.
Alternatives to a Second NYSC Year
Instead of serving in the NYSC program twice, there are other alternatives that graduates can explore to achieve their goals and aspirations. Some of these alternatives are:
- Pursuing further education or training that will enhance their knowledge and skills, and increase their chances of getting a job or starting a business.
- Seeking employment or internship opportunities that will provide them with income and experience, and expose them to the realities and demands of the workplace.
- Starting or joining a business or social venture that will enable them to apply their talents and passions, and create value and impact in society.
- Volunteering or mentoring in a community or organization that will allow them to share their expertise and insights, and make a difference in the lives of others.
- Traveling or exploring a new place or culture that will broaden their horizons and perspectives, and enrich their personal and professional development.
FAQs on NYSC Participation
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on the NYSC participation and exceptions.
Can I do the NYSC program if I studied outside of Nigeria?
Yes, you can do the NYSC program if you studied outside Nigeria, as long as you meet the following criteria:
- You are a Nigerian citizen by birth or naturalization.
- You graduated from an accredited institution with a minimum of a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor’s Degree.
- You obtained your degree or diploma not earlier than one year before the date of mobilization.
- You have not served in the armed forces or the Nigeria Police Force for a period of more than nine months, or you are not a member of the staff of the Nigerian Security Organization, the State Security Service, or the National Intelligence Agency.
- You have not been conferred with any National Honour.
Is there an age limit for NYSC participation?
Yes, there is an age limit for NYSC participation. According to the NYSC Act of 1973, any person who is above the age of 30 at the time of graduation is exempted from the NYSC program. However, such a person will be issued with an Exemption Certificate, which is equivalent to the NYSC Discharge Certificate and can be used for employment or other purposes.
Can I register for NYSC twice?
No, you cannot register for NYSC twice. You can only register for NYSC once, and you will be assigned a unique NYSC call-up number that will be used to identify you throughout the NYSC program. If you register for NYSC twice, you will be detected by the NYSC system and you will be disqualified from the NYSC program.
Can I relocate to another state during the NYSC program?
Yes, you can relocate to another state during the NYSC program, but only on the grounds of marital, security, or health reasons. You can apply for relocation online through your NYSC dashboard, or offline through your NYSC state coordinator. You will need to provide evidence and justification for your relocation request, such as a marriage certificate, a medical report, or a security report. Your relocation request will be subject to the approval of the NYSC management, and you will be notified of the outcome within a specified period.
Wrapping up…
The NYSC program is a one-time service for Nigerian graduates who are below the age of 30. The NYSC program is not meant to be repeated or done twice by any graduate, unless there are exceptional circumstances that warrant such a decision. The NYSC program is not a means to an end, but a phase in the life of a graduate. The NYSC program is not a guarantee of success or happiness, but a platform for learning and contributing. The NYSC program is not a permanent solution or escape, but a temporary opportunity and challenge.
Instead of serving in the NYSC program twice, there are other alternatives that graduates can explore to achieve their goals and aspirations. These alternatives include pursuing further education or training, seeking employment or internship opportunities, starting or joining a business or social venture, volunteering or mentoring in a community or organization, and traveling or exploring a new place or culture.