Your Complete Guide to NERD Clearance and NYSC Registration 2025/2026
Hello, future corps member! If you are preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), you have likely heard about the new NERD clearance slip and rules about where to register. The information online can be confusing, with some people saying it is mandatory and others saying it is not. Do not worry. This post will clear up the confusion and give you the latest, straightforward facts so you can prepare with confidence.
What is the NERD Clearance Slip and Why is it Important?
The Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) is a national system created by the Federal Government. Think of it as a large digital library for all final year projects and theses from Nigerian graduates.
The NERD clearance slip is your proof that your academic project has been uploaded to this official database. The main goals are to prevent academic fraud, preserve valuable research work, and ensure that only genuine graduates are mobilised for the NYSC scheme.
As of October 2025, the NYSC management has stated that obtaining this clearance slip is a mandatory prerequisite for camp registration for prospective corps members.
Big Update: Is 2025 Batch C Stream 2 Exempt or Not?
This is where there has been a lot of talk. Here is the clearest explanation based on official updates:
Initially, the Federal Government’s NERD policy was set to start on 6th October 2025. However, the rollout was paused. Following this, official circulars from both NERD and NYSC in October 2025 confirmed that 2025 Batch C (which includes Stream 2) is exempt from the requirement. This is because their mobilisation process began before the new rule was meant to be enforced.
Therefore, if you are in the 2025 Batch C Stream 2, you are not required to present the NERD slip for your camp registration.
So, When Does it Become Compulsory for Everyone?
Full and mandatory compliance with the NERD policy is now set to begin from January/February 2026 onward. This means that graduates mobilising for NYSC Batch A 2026 will be the first group that must have the clearance slip to register at the orientation camp.
A very important new change is that from Batch A 2026, you cannot register for NERD by yourself. The process must be completed at an officially accredited centre. This is to ensure proper verification and handling of your academic data.
Two Key Processes: NERD Slip and NYSC Registration
To avoid confusion, understand that there are two separate but essential online processes:
1. Getting Your NERD Clearance Slip
This is about your academic project. For 2025 Batch C Stream 2, this is optional. For batches from 2026, it is mandatory and must be done at an accredited centre.
The General Process (Managed by Your Institution):
- Your university’s Student Affairs Unit is typically responsible for coordinating the upload and verification of final year projects to the NERD platform (ned.gov.ng).
- Once your institution has verified your project on the platform, you can generate and print your personal clearance slip.
- Remember: For 2026 batches, expect to do this step at an accredited centre, not from your personal laptop.
2. Completing Your NYSC Online Registration
This is the main registration for mobilisation where you fill in your details, and it includes biometric capture. This process is separate from NERD.
A Crucial Rule: For several years now, the NYSC online registration for general mobilisation must be done only at an NYSC-accredited cyber café. You should not attempt to do it from a regular café or your home.
Why? This ensures security, proper handling of your documents, and correct capture of your biometric data. Using a non-accredited café can lead to technical issues and disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I am in 2025 Batch C Stream 2. Do I really not need the NERD slip?
Based on the official circulars released in October 2025, no, you do not need it for camp registration. Your mobilisation is exempt. However, some people advise getting it done voluntarily if you can, to be safe and avoid any last-minute rush for future use.
2. Where must I go to do my NYSC online registration?
You must complete your NYSC online registration (for biometrics and form submission) only at an officially accredited NYSC cyber café. Look for cafés that are officially approved and have the necessary software for the registration process.
3. How do I get my NERD clearance slip?
The process is typically coordinated through your university. Contact your Student Affairs Unit or final year project supervisor to understand your school’s specific process for uploading projects to the NERD database. Once verified, you can print your slip from the portal.
4. I heard NERD registration now requires an accredited centre. Is this true?
Yes, this is a new development. For mobilisation from Batch A 2026 onward, you will be required to complete your NERD enrolment at an accredited centre. You will not be able to register by yourself on the portal from home.
5. Can I do my NYSC registration and NERD clearance at the same place?
Not necessarily. While both may need to be done at accredited centres, they are different processes on different platforms. An NYSC-accredited cyber café is specifically set up for the NYSC registration portal. You need to confirm if they are also equipped to handle the NERD enrolment process. Always ask the café which services they provide.
6. What is the main purpose of all these new rules?
The main goals are to:
- Fight Fraud: Make sure every corps member is a verified graduate.
- Preserve Knowledge: Keep a national record of academic research.
- Ensure Order: Streamline the mobilisation process through secure, controlled channels.
Final Advice
Policies can be updated, so always double-check the official NYSC website (www.nysc.gov.ng) and the NERD portal (ned.gov.ng) for the latest circulars before you proceed. Start your processes early to avoid the rush. Good luck with your service year preparation!