The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has warned tertiary institutions against admitting students into programmes without the necessary regulatory approvals, following complaints from graduates experiencing difficulties with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation.

In a statement dated October 26, 2026, and jointly signed by the Zone’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Olugbemi T. Timothy, popularly known as CELEBRITY SURVEYOR; General Secretary, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Y. (TOYYEM); and Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah (BILLIONCODES), the association expressed concern over reported cases involving programme recognition, accreditation and admission-record irregularities.

The association said a complaints audit conducted through a reporting form circulated to affected graduates had revealed recurring concerns about the regulatory status of academic programmes and the accuracy of admission documentation.

According to NANS Southwest, some graduates only discover unresolved institutional or regulatory problems after completing their studies, leaving them unable to proceed with national service as expected.

The association described the situation as unfair to students and their families, who invest considerable time, money and effort in higher education, only to encounter difficulties arising from administrative failures they may have had no role in creating.

“Schools must stop treating students’ futures as something to be regularised after collecting their fees,” the statement declared, warning that institutions must not commence admissions into programmes before obtaining the required authorisation.

NANS Southwest stressed that approval to establish an institution does not automatically authorise every programme it intends to offer. It also explained that programme approval and accreditation are distinct regulatory stages, urging institutions to comply with applicable requirements before admitting students.

The association referenced the responsibilities of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), emphasising the need for appropriate programme authorisation, accurate admission records and compliance with applicable admission procedures.

It further warned institutions against presenting pending applications, verbal assurances or incomplete regulatory processes as evidence of completed approval.

The statement also highlighted the importance of ensuring that students’ admission records correctly reflect their institutions, programmes and admission details, noting that discrepancies between official records and actual programmes of study could create further complications.

“It will be sorted out before graduation” is not an acceptable admission policy, the association maintained.

While acknowledging that NYSC mobilisation difficulties could arise from different circumstances, NANS Southwest insisted that institutions must take responsibility where unauthorised admissions, inaccurate records or unmet regulatory requirements are established as the cause.

The association consequently called on affected institutions to review outstanding complaints and provide graduates with written explanations, details of corrective measures and realistic timelines for resolving their cases.

It also urged managements to engage directly with the relevant regulatory agencies, JAMB and NYSC instead of leaving graduates to move repeatedly between offices in search of solutions.

NANS Southwest further demanded transparent disclosure of programme approval and accreditation status, including restrictions affecting admissions, study modes or campuses. It maintained that prospective students deserved accurate information before accepting admission offers or paying fees.

The association warned against imposing additional financial burdens on students where institutional errors were responsible for the problems. It also called for protection against intimidation or victimisation of graduates who submit complaints or seek intervention.

The statement urged the NUC, NBTE, JAMB, NYSC and relevant professional regulatory bodies to investigate documented cases, improve coordination and enforce applicable standards. It added that interventions should provide practical solutions for affected students alongside appropriate sanctions where violations are established.

NANS Southwest also encouraged student union representatives to help affected graduates document their cases using relevant records, including admission letters, JAMB documentation, programme details and correspondence with institutional management.

The association assured graduates that it would pursue substantiated complaints through formal petitions, regulatory engagement and lawful advocacy.

Reaffirming its position, NANS Southwest called on institutions to obtain the necessary approvals before admitting students, maintain regulatory standards, ensure accurate admission records and resolve outstanding mobilisation difficulties without unnecessary delays.

“Students have fulfilled their responsibilities. Institutions must fulfil theirs,” the statement concluded.