The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, held an NYSC Briefing programme aimed at adequately preparing graduating students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization and service year.

The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, held an NYSC Briefing programme aimed at adequately preparing graduating students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization and service year. The event was organized to provide accurate information, clarify procedures, and address common challenges associated with NYSC mobilization.

The programme commenced with an opening prayer led by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Ekene Nwabueze, who set a reflective and purposeful tone for the engagement.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Christopher Chiedozie Eze, thereafter delivered his opening remarks. He welcomed participants and described the NYSC briefing as a critical institutional exercise that serves as the final bridge between students’ academic life and national service. He emphasized that the programme was not merely procedural, but an essential link between UAES and the National Youth Service Corps. The Vice-Chancellor outlined the objectives of the briefing, noting that it was designed to educate prospective corps members on mobilization processes, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, timelines, and the use of digital platforms for registration and postings. He highlighted common issues such as incorrect biodata and wrong JAMB registration numbers, which often delay mobilization, and assured students that these concerns would be addressed by resource persons.

 

Professor Christopher Chiedozie Eze also provided an overview of UAES, stating that the University was established by Imo State Law No. 7 of 2020 (as amended) and is duly approved and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He noted that the University operates five faculties—Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Science and Computing, and Arts, Management and Social Sciences with twenty-one programmes fully accredited and optimism that the remaining programmes would achieve full accreditation upon the release of results. He expressed pride in the University’s first set of graduates currently undergoing NYSC orientation nationwide, commending their outstanding performance and awards at various camps.

 

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Chiedozie Eze further highlighted the role of NYSC in national development, noting its contributions to national unity, cultural integration, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development, leadership training, emergency response, and community development services. He advised prospective corps members to represent UAES with integrity, take skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development seriously, prioritize their security, and strictly avoid document forgery. He concluded by appreciating NYSC officials and resource persons for their participation.

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s address, a lecture was delivered by Mrs. Ilorah Faustina, Assistant Director of Deployment and Relocation, NYSC Imo State. Her presentation focused on eligibility and criteria for NYSC mobilization. She explained the three official certificates issued by NYSC: the Certificate of National Service for those who successfully complete the one-year service, the Letter of Exemption for graduates who are above thirty years of age at the time of mobilization, and the Letter of Exclusion for graduates of part-time and evening programmes. Mrs. Faustina also provided detailed explanations on NYSC mobilization processes, posting policies, orientation camp activities, registration procedures, and redeployment processes. She emphasized the importance of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) as a core component of the NYSC scheme, designed to equip corps members with income-generating skills and promote self-reliance.

Subsequently, Mr. Evaristus Nwoke addressed participants on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) matters related to NYSC mobilization. He spoke extensively on profile activation, online registration processes, and common ICT-related issues that often hinder successful mobilization. He encouraged students experiencing challenges with their data, programmes, or registration processes to begin early and promptly report such issues to the office of the Data Entry Officer (DEO) for resolution.

The session was further enriched by a presentation from the UAES NERD official, Dr. Ekene Nwabueze, who spoke on Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policies, objectives and roles in institutions. He addressed issues relating to project requirements, plagiarism, and academic integrity, while also clarifying relevant NERD and University policies that could affect students’ eligibility for mobilization.

In conclusion, the NYSC briefing at UAES provided comprehensive guidance to graduating students on NYSC mobilization, expectations, and responsibilities. The programme successfully equipped participants with the necessary information to navigate the mobilization process, avoid common pitfalls, and prepare effectively for their national service, while reinforcing the values of integrity, professionalism, and excellence expected of UAES graduates.

Emmanuella C. Okpara

Ag. Coord. IPRP Unit.