How to Get Your NYSC Evaluation Letter in 7 Days

How to Get Your NYSC Evaluation Letter: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Graduates

In Nigeria, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory program for graduates under the age of 30. Whether you completed your education locally or abroad, you need an evaluation letter as part of your documentation for NYSC mobilization. An NYSC Evaluation Letter is crucial if you studied outside Nigeria, as it serves to verify your foreign degree’s authenticity. It can be a daunting process if you don’t know where to begin. However, with the right guidance, you can secure your evaluation letter within just 7 days.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step you need to take, offer practical tips, and highlight what to expect along the way.

If you graduated from a school outside Nigeria and want to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), you will need an NYSC Evaluation Letter. This document is issued by the Federal Ministry of Education to confirm that your degree was earned from an accredited institution.

What Is an NYSC Evaluation Letter?

An NYSC Evaluation Letter is an official document given to graduates who earned their degrees from foreign institutions. The letter confirms that the degree was obtained from a recognized, accredited school outside Nigeria. It is a required document for NYSC registration, as it verifies the authenticity of your degree before you are allowed to participate in the service year.

This is an official document provided by the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria. It serves as proof that your foreign degree is recognized and equivalent to a degree from a Nigerian university. Without this letter, you cannot proceed with the NYSC mobilization process if you obtained your degree from an institution outside Nigeria. The evaluation confirms that the courses taken and the degree awarded align with Nigerian educational standards, ensuring you are eligible for the one-year service program.

Why You Need an NYSC Evaluation Letter

The NYSC evaluation letter is more than just a piece of paper—it is a critical requirement for graduates with foreign degrees. It ensures that your qualifications meet the standards set by Nigerian universities. Here’s why you need it:

• Verification of Your Degree: It validates the authenticity of your foreign degree.
• Eligibility for NYSC: Without the evaluation letter, you cannot proceed with the NYSC registration.
• Prevention of Fraud: The evaluation helps prevent fraudulent degrees from being used for NYSC mobilization.
• Streamlined Registration: It simplifies the documentation process when registering for NYSC.

Is the Evaluation Letter Compulsory for Foreign Graduates?

Yes, the evaluation letter is mandatory for all foreign graduates. Whether you studied in Ghana, the United Kingdom, Canada, or any other country, the NYSC requires you to provide this letter. Without it, your NYSC registration cannot proceed. The letter ensures that your degree meets the educational standards in Nigeria.

Why Is the Evaluation Process Strict?

In January 2024, an investigative journalist exposed a flaw in the NYSC registration process. He managed to register for NYSC using a fake certificate from a university in Benin Republic. This scandal led the government to tighten the evaluation process, making it stricter to prevent fraud. Now, every document must be carefully verified before the evaluation letter is issued.

How to Prepare for Your NYSC Evaluation Letter Application

Preparation is crucial if you want to obtain your NYSC evaluation letter quickly. You need to gather all necessary documents, understand the requirements, and be ready to navigate the application process efficiently. Here are the key steps to prepare:

1. Research the Requirements: Understand what documents you need and the application process.
2. Double-Check Your Documents: Ensure all your documents are complete and in good condition.
3. Make Copies: Have multiple copies of each document to avoid delays in case of lost files.
4. Reach Out for Assistance: Contact the Federal Ministry of Education early if you have any questions.

Step 1: Book an Appointment Online

The first step to getting your NYSC evaluation letter is to book an appointment online through the Federal Ministry of Education’s portal. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Evaluation Portal: Go to the Federal Ministry of Education’s website at https://ess.education.gov.ng/
   • Select “Register” to create a new account.
2. Select Evaluation Service: Choose “Evaluation of Certificate(s)” from the options provided.
3. Upload Your Documents: You will need to upload the following documents in PDF format:
   • Degree or Diploma Certificate (B.Sc., B.A., HND, etc.)
   • Academic Transcript from your university.
   • O’Level Certificate (WAEC, NECO) showing at least 5 credits, including English and Mathematics.

Important Notes:

• Each document page costs ₦5,000. For example, if your transcript has 2 pages, it will cost ₦10,000. Make sure you calculate the total cost based on the number of pages.
• Make the payment online using your ATM card or through payment services like Remita.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents Properly

Before you go for your appointment, ensure you have both the originals and copies of the required documents. Here’s a checklist:

1. Degree Certificate (Original and 2 Copies)
2. Academic Transcript (Original and 2 Copies)
3. O’Level Certificate (WAEC or NECO)
4. International Passport showing:
   • Bio-data page
   • Entry stamp into the country of study
   • Exit stamp after graduation
5. Admission Letter from your foreign university
6. 2 Passport Photographs

Place all the documents in a brown envelope to make it easier to present at the Ministry.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment at the Ministry of Education

Your appointment will be at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. Here’s what to do on the day of your appointment:

1. Print Your Receipts: Bring the printouts of your payment receipt and the appointment slip.
2. Bring All Original Documents: You must have the original versions of all the documents you uploaded online. The Ministry staff will need to see them before they proceed with your evaluation.

Tip:

Even if your appointment time is scheduled for the afternoon, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. The Ministry only processes a limited number of people per day.

Step 4: Arrive Early at the Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education in Abuja starts processing applications early in the morning. Here’s why you should arrive by 5:30 am:

• They only attend to about 80 applicants per day. If you arrive late, you may not be attended to.
• Even if you have a scheduled time, arriving early gives you a better chance of being seen without delays.

Pro Tip:

Bring a book, some snacks, or your phone for entertainment because you might have to wait for several hours before your turn.

Step 5: Get Your Documents Evaluated

When it’s your turn, you will enter the evaluation room with your documents. Here’s what happens next:

1. Document Inspection: The staff will carefully inspect your original documents to check for authenticity.
2. Verification: They will verify that your degree was earned from an accredited school and that your certificates are genuine.
3. Submission: After inspection, they will keep the photocopies of your documents and return the originals to you.

Keep your original documents safe, as they are very important and can be difficult to replace if lost.

Picking Up Your NYSC Evaluation Letter

After your documents are evaluated, the Ministry will prepare your evaluation letter and send it to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). It usually takes about 7 business days for the letter to be ready. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check for Your Name: Visit the evaluation unit on the 8th floor of the Ministry to check the list of names.
2. Collect Your Letter: Once your name is on the list, you can collect your evaluation letter.
3. Make Copies: Go to the 6th floor to make 1-2 copies of your letter.
4. Return the Original Letter: The Ministry keeps the original letter, but you will use the copy for your NYSC online registration.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

1. Double-Check Your Documents: Ensure everything is complete and in order before going to the Ministry.
2. Arrive Early: This increases your chances of being attended to without unnecessary delays.
3. Follow Up Regularly: Stay in touch with the Ministry staff to check the status of your letter.
4. Be Polite and Patient: The process can be slow, so patience and politeness can go a long way.
5. Keep Your Original Documents Safe: You may need them again during the NYSC verification process.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get the NYSC evaluation letter?
If you follow this guide, you can receive your letter in about 7 business days.

2. Can I apply for the evaluation letter online?
Yes, you can start the process online, but you must appear in person for the document verification.

3. What happens if I forget one of my original documents?
Your evaluation will be delayed until you provide all the required documents.

4. How much does the evaluation process cost?
The cost varies depending on the number of pages of your documents but typically ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦55,000.

5. Can someone else collect my evaluation letter for me?
No, you must collect the letter in person due to strict verification rules.

Conclusion

Getting your NYSC Evaluation Letter in 7 days is achievable if you plan well, arrive early, and follow the steps carefully. This letter is a crucial requirement for all foreign graduates, as it confirms the legitimacy of your degree. By preparing your documents thoroughly and being patient, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth application process. Best of luck with your NYSC journey!