NYSC Exemption Letter (Requirements And Application Guideline 2025)

Are you a Nigerian graduate seeking to obtain or replace your NYSC Certificate of Exemption?
Whether you completed your studies in Nigeria or overseas, this guide provides all the essential information you need about the process.

Who is Eligible for a Certificate of Exemption?

Under the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Decree of 1993, a Certificate of Exemption is issued to individuals who meet any of the following criteria:

Conditions for NYSC Exemption

Individuals who meet any of the following criteria are issued a Certificate of Exemption, exempting them from the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program:

• Were over 30 years old at the time of graduation.
• Served in the Nigerian Armed Forces or Police Force for more than nine months.
• Previously worked with any of the following agencies:
  • Nigerian Security Organization (NSO)
  • State Security Service (SSS)
  • National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
  • Defence Intelligence Service (DIS)
• Have been conferred with a national honour.

Eligibility for NYSC Certificate of Exemption

To qualify for a Certificate of Exemption:

• You must be a Nigerian graduate—whether educated locally or internationally—with a B.Sc, B.A, or HND from an accredited institution (recognized by NUC, NBTE, or NCCE).
• Foreign-trained graduates must submit their credentials to the NYSC Mobilization Department for assessment.

How to Obtain Your Certificate of Exemption

For Locally Trained Graduates:

1. Your institution sends a master list of graduates and Senate-approved results to NYSC.
2. NYSC determines who is eligible for service or exemption and returns the classification to the institution.
3. Once confirmed, NYSC issues Certificates of Exemption, which are then sent to your institution for collection.

Note: Certificates must be collected only from your institution—not from the NYSC office.

For Foreign-Trained Graduates:

1. Visit the NYSC Directorate Headquarters in Abuja with your credentials, including your international passport, for verification.
2. Register with NYSC, and your exemption status will be determined.
3. If exempted, your certificate will be available for pickup at the NYSC headquarters. Certificates are released in three batches yearly, and you’ll be informed of your assigned batch.

Note: You must be physically present with valid identification to collect your certificate.

Replacing a Lost Certificate

For Locally Trained Graduates:

1. Submit a request letter through your institution, addressed to the NYSC Director-General.
2. Include a police report, court affidavit, and (if possible) a copy of the lost certificate.

For Foreign-Trained Graduates:

1. Write directly to the NYSC Director-General.
2. Attach a police report, court affidavit, a photocopy of your international passport, and a copy of the lost certificate (if available).

Important: NYSC does not reissue lost or damaged certificates. Instead, a Letter of Confirmation will be provided.

Corrections & Complaints

• Locally Trained Graduates should direct all issues or correction requests through their institution, which will forward them to NYSC with the appropriate documentation.
• Foreign-Trained Graduates should submit:
  • A handwritten application
  • A copy of their international passport (data page)
  • The original Certificate of Exemption (if available)
  • A cover letter addressed to the NYSC Director-General, Abuja

Difference Between NYSC Discharge and Exemption Certificates

If you’re wondering about the distinction:

• An NYSC Discharge Certificate is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the one-year national service.
• A Certificate of Exemption is given to eligible graduates exempted from the service due to age, prior service, or specific national appointments.

NYSC Discharge Certificate: This certificate is issued to individuals who have successfully completed the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. It serves as official proof that the holder has met the national service obligation and is now fully eligible for employment and societal responsibilities.

NYSC Exemption Certificate: This certificate is granted to individuals who are officially exempted from participating in the NYSC program due to certain qualifying conditions.