By EMMANUEL AFONNE

The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it will review the exclusion of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) graduates from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said the move follows concerns raised by NOUN Chancellor, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over unequal treatment of NOUN graduates.

The traditional ruler had called for policy changes to allow eligible graduates to serve, saying that current restrictions put them at a disadvantage.

Addressing the concerns raised by the Oba, Ribadu, consequently, pledged that the NUC will engage NYSC leadership to re-evaluate the mobilisation framework.

“I have heard the concerns of the Chancellor in his speech about the lack of mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps.

“I want to assure you, at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made in order for NOUN graduates to be accommodated, because the dynamics have changed,” he said

He noted the initial policy reflected NOUN’s past student profile of working professionals above the service age limit, adding that the commission has now observed a shift to younger students.

“Unlike in the past, where graduates of NOUN are 30 years and above; in recent times, you have graduates of younger age, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age,” he said. (NAN)