The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to verify academic qualifications obtained from certain universities in the Republic of Niger before determining graduates’ eligibility for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, called for justice, fairness, quality assurance and accountability in addressing the controversy surrounding the non-mobilisation of some Nigerian graduates from Nigerien universities.
Afeez stressed that Nigerian authorities must follow established verification procedures and rely on the list of institutions officially recognised by the relevant regulatory authorities in the Republic of Niger.
He advised, “Students and proprietors of institutions whose names are missing from the approved list to seek clarification from the relevant Nigerien authorities through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.”
The association further cautioned against linking Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, to the controversy without credible evidence connecting him to the regulatory decisions in question.
NANS also highlighted the importance of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation as a platform for dialogue and resolving issues affecting both countries.
The association advised Nigerians intending to study in the Republic of Niger to consult the Federal Ministry of Education before accepting admission offers or paying tuition fees to ascertain the recognition status of their preferred institutions and understand the requirements for qualification recognition and NYSC eligibility.
It called on the Nigerian and Nigerien governments to provide timely and accurate information while ensuring that established procedures are followed to address the concerns of affected graduates.