How to Print NYSC Exemption Letter (2024)

If you’ve completed your higher education in Nigeria and you are over the age of 30 or somehow you are not eligible to participate in the NYSC program, understanding how you can apply for the exemption letter is very important.

This document is essential for graduates who are either above the age of thirty or have served in the armed forces or the police for more than nine months.

It’s a sign that you’re officially excused from the mandatory one-year national service. So, how do you go about getting this important piece of paper?

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to print your NYSC exemption letter. Whether you’re a recent graduate or you’ve been out of school for a while, this guide will help you get what you need quickly and without hassle.

Keep reading to learn more about the process, what you’ll need, and how to resolve any issues that might come up along the way.

Let’s get started on this journey to securing your exemption letter, ensuring you’re all set for the next phase of your professional life.

What is the NYSC Exemption Letter?

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Exemption Letter is a document of paramount importance for Nigerian graduates who are unable to participate in the mandatory one-year national service.

Instituted under the NYSC Decree of 1973, this service aims to involve Nigerian university and polytechnic graduates in nation-building and the development of the country. However, not everyone is required to serve. This is where the NYSC Exemption Letter comes into play.

Who is Eligible for an Exemption Letter?

The criteria for exemption are clearly outlined by the NYSC:

1. Applicants must be full-time students older than the age of 30 years at the time of graduation.
   Or,
2. Applicants must be Part-time students. Or,
3. Applicants must have served in the Nigerian Armed forces for more than 9 months. Or,
4. Applicants must have received a national award like the ”Order of the Niger” or other national awards.

The Process for Home-Trained Graduates

For graduates from institutions within Nigeria, the process begins with their institutions, which submit a master list of graduates to the NYSC. A print-out is then processed, classifying who will be called up for service and who will be exempted. The exempted graduates’ certificates are produced and sent back to their institutions for issuance.

The Process for Foreign-Trained Graduates

Foreign-trained graduates must have their credentials evaluated. After evaluation, they register with the NYSC, and it is during this registration that their exemption is determined. The Exemption Certificates for these graduates are then produced and can be collected at the NYSC directorate headquarters in Abuja.

Difference between NYSC Exemption Letter and Certificate of Exclusion

The NYSC Exemption Letter or Exclusion Certificate is a crucial document for Nigerian graduates who are not required to participate in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

This program is designed to involve Nigerian graduates in nation-building and the development of the country. However, not all graduates are obliged to serve.

The Exemption Letter is issued to those who qualify for exemption based on specific criteria set by the NYSC.

According to the National Youth Service Corps Decree 1993 section 2 subsection (1), individuals are exempt from service if they are over the age of thirty years at the time of graduation, have served in the Armed Forces of the Federation or the Nigeria Police Force for more than nine months, are members of staff of certain security organizations, or have been conferred with a National Honour.

For home-trained graduates, the process of obtaining the Certificate of Exemption begins with their institutions, which submit a master list of graduates to the NYSC.

A print-out is processed to classify those to be called up for service and those to be exempted. This print-out is then verified and corrected by the institutions and returned to the NYSC. The Certificates of Exemption are produced and sent back to the institutions for issuance.

Foreign-trained graduates must have their credentials evaluated and then register at the NYSC directorate headquarters in Abuja. The classification of who will be called up for service or exempted is determined at the point of registration. Certificates of Exemption are produced for those exempted and are to be collected at the NYSC directorate headquarters.

The Exclusion Letter, on the other hand, is issued to part-time or distance learning students who are not eligible for the full-time service program. This letter is also provided to those who have not been able to pass through the normal university or polytechnic system.

Why is the Exemption Letter Important?

The Exemption Letter serves as a legal document that validates a graduate’s reason for not participating in the NYSC scheme. It is essential for employment in Nigeria, as it is often required by employers to ensure that all employees have fulfilled or been exempted from their national service obligations.

How to Apply for NYSC Exemption Letter

Determine Eligibility

Before starting the application process, you need to determine if you eligible to apply. The NYSC outlines specific conditions under which an individual may be exempted. These include:

• Graduates who are over the age of thirty (30) at the time of graduation.
• Holders of national honors.
• Individuals who have served in the armed forces or the police for a period of more than nine months.
• Staff of intelligence agencies, or the armed forces.
• Foreign-trained graduates who studied part-time or through correspondence.

Step 2: Visit the NYSC State Secretariat

The first physical step in the application process is to visit your nearest NYSC State Secretariat. Inform the attendant of your intention to apply for an exemption letter. You will be provided with an application form to complete.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the application form with accurate information. Make sure that all sections are completed thoroughly to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Along with the completed application form, you must attach the following documents:

• Academic qualifications, including degree certificates.
• Approved results from your institution.
• A valid identity document, such as a national ID card, voter’s card, or international passport.
• Any additional supporting documents as instructed by the NYSC.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the application form along with all the required documents at the NYSC State Secretariat. Ensure that you receive an acknowledgment of your submission.

Step 6: Make the Necessary Payment

After submitting your documents, you will be directed to make a payment. The amount and payment method will be communicated by the NYSC authorities.

Step 7: Verification and Validation

Your application and documents will undergo a verification process. The NYSC will validate the authenticity of your documents and eligibility for exemption.

Step 8: Collect Your Exemption Letter

Once your application is verified and approved, you will be notified. The Exemption Letter will be available for collection at your tertiary institution. It is important to collect your certificate in person and verify that all details are correct.

How To Print For NYSC Exemption Letter Online

Graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) are allowed to apply for the NYSC exemption. Follow the procedures below to print your NYSC exemption letter:

• Visit the official NYSC registration portal via https://portal.nysc.org.ng/nysc4/
• Sign up with a functioning email address (if you are registering for the first time, click on ”Registration for Mobilization”).
• Activation link with sent to your email to confirm the creation of account
• Filling in your details in the fields provided
• Click on the submit button
• Proceed to capture your Biometric. (Note this should not be done by proxy).
• Upload clean and clear-off white background passport photograph.
• Preview your registration form to ensure the details are correct.
• Agree with the registration terms and conditions.
• Upload your scanned signature or sign using a digital signature scanner
• Click on submit

Keep your login details for subsequent use.

• You will be required to make payment for the procedure. Select your preferred method on the
• portal to continue
• Make the required payment to continue. The required payment is usually less than N3,000
• Now check your NYSC dashboard to see if your exemption letter has been made available for immediate printing. If not, you can check after a few days, then make the printout.

Conclusion

The NYSC Exemption Letter is not just a piece of paper; it is a certificate that carries significant weight in the professional journey of Nigerian graduates. It stands as a testament to fulfilling civic duties, either through service or due exemption. Understanding its importance, eligibility criteria, and the process of obtaining it is crucial for every graduate aiming to navigate the professional landscape in Nigeria.