NAUS Calls on NUC to Address NYSC’s Unexpected NISLT Licensing Requirement for SLT Graduates
Mr Chris Mekiya,
Acting Executive Secretary,
National Universities Commission (NUC),
Abuja, Nigeria
I am writing to you today on behalf of university students across the country to address a pressing concern that is affecting Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) graduates nationwide. We have recently learnt that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has started enforcing a new policy, based on a directive from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), which requires SLT graduates to have an NISLT license to register at orientation camps nationwide.
This sudden change has caused chaos and distress among graduates of SLT, who had no idea about this sudden requirement for NYSC registration. Many are now stranded at NYSC orientation camps, unable to proceed with registration.
This issue is critical, and we can not stress enough how important it is to act fast. Our university graduates are facing unnecessary hardship, their lives and properties are at risk because of this sudden policy enforcement. We need your help to resolve this crisis and ensure that graduates can complete their NYSC registration without delay.
It is also important to note that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has already addressed this issue with the NYSC and has released a memo to dissociate itself from the sudden implementation of this policy. This further highlights the need for an immediate review of the enforcement of this directive.
Given the urgency of this situation, we are requesting the immediate intervention of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to address this matter. We strongly urge the NUC to take the following actions:
1. Immediate Suspension of the Enforced Policy: We request that the NUC engage with the NYSC and NISLT to suspend the enforcement of this policy.
2. Clear Communication to Universities and Graduates: We ask the NUC to ensure that all stakeholders are properly informed of any future requirements that may impact graduates, providing sufficient notice to prevent similar disruptions.
3. Urgent Assistance for Affected Graduates: We urge the NUC to facilitate an immediate arrangement allowing stranded SLT university graduates to register and begin their service while they work on obtaining the certification later.
We trust that the NUC will act swiftly to address this situation and provide the necessary support to the university graduates. We are ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to find a timely and effective solution.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Comr. OLADIPUPO Michael Oluwatosin,
Chairman, National Association of University Students, Campus Monitoring Committee, Oyo State Chapter.
+ 234 (0) 8157087722
Cc:
Federal Ministry of Education,
Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU),
The SSA on Students’ Engagement to the President,
The HOD, all Universities offering SLT across the country.