Are you a part-time or distance learning graduate in Nigeria? Learn how to print your NYSC exclusion letter step-by-step. Find out who is eligible, what the letter means, and how to use it correctly.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory one-year service programme for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30. However, not all graduates are required to participate in the NYSC. Some are officially excluded from service and are issued an Exclusion Letter instead of a Call-Up Letter or Certificate of National Service.
If you fall into this category — for example, if you graduated from a part-time or distance learning programme — this guide will walk you through how to print your NYSC exclusion letter, including eligibility criteria, registration steps, and important tips.
- What is an NYSC Exclusion Letter?
- Who Is Eligible for NYSC Exclusion Letter?
- Why Is the NYSC Exclusion Letter Important?
- Documents Needed to Print Your Exclusion Letter
- Step-by-Step: How to Print Your NYSC Exclusion Letter
- How to Verify the NYSC Exclusion Letter
- What Does the NYSC Exclusion Letter Look Like?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an NYSC Exclusion Letter?
An Exclusion Letter is a formal document issued by NYSC to eligible Nigerian graduates who are not required to participate in the one-year national service. This includes graduates of part-time, distance learning, and sandwich programmes.
Unlike the NYSC Discharge Certificate (for those who complete service) or Exemption Certificate (for those above 30), the Exclusion Letter is proof that a graduate is officially exempted from service due to the nature of their academic programme.
Who Is Eligible for NYSC Exclusion Letter?
You are eligible for an NYSC Exclusion Letter if:
- ✅ You graduated through a part-time programme
- ✅ You completed a distance learning or sandwich course
- ✅ You are a graduate of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- ✅ You are a Nigerian graduate under 30 years old but didn’t attend full-time study
🔔 Note: Those above 30 years are issued an Exemption Certificate, not an Exclusion Letter.
Why Is the NYSC Exclusion Letter Important?
Even though you’re not participating in NYSC, the Exclusion Letter is:
- 📌 A legal requirement for employment in Nigeria
- 📌 Proof of graduation under a recognized part-time or distance programme
- 📌 A mandatory document for NYSC records and government applications
Documents Needed to Print Your Exclusion Letter
Before you print your exclusion letter, ensure you have the following:
S/N | Required Document |
---|---|
1 | NYSC Portal Login Credentials |
2 | Scanned Passport Photograph (white background) |
3 | Valid Email Address |
4 | Phone Number |
5 | JAMB Registration/Matric Number (if applicable) |
6 | Personal Information (Full name, DOB, etc.) |
Step-by-Step: How to Print Your NYSC Exclusion Letter
Follow these steps to check and print your NYSC exclusion letter from the portal:
✅ Step 1: Visit the NYSC Portal
Go to the official NYSC registration portal:
👉 https://portal.nysc.org.ng
✅ Step 2: Login to Your NYSC Dashboard
- Click on “Login Here”
- Enter your registered email and password
If you haven’t registered yet:
- Click “Fresh Registration”
- Fill in your details (name, email, phone number, institution, course, graduation year)
- Upload your passport photo and complete the biodata section
✅ Step 3: Complete Online Registration
Once you complete your registration as a part-time or NOUN graduate:
- You’ll be automatically excluded from mobilization
- You’ll see a message saying “You are not eligible for mobilization, but you will be issued an Exclusion Letter.”
✅ Step 4: Make Payment
- Pay the required fee (about ₦3,000–₦4,000) via Remita
- Payment is required before you can print your exclusion letter
Steps:
- Click “Proceed to Payment”
- Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR)
- Pay online using your card or print RRR and pay at a bank
- After payment, your dashboard will be updated
✅ Step 5: Print Your Exclusion Letter
Once payment is successful:
- Go back to your dashboard
- Click “Print Exclusion Letter”
- Save or download the PDF
- Print several copies for safekeeping
How to Verify the NYSC Exclusion Letter
To verify your Exclusion Letter:
- Visit https://portal.nysc.org.ng
- Use the “Certificate Verification” tool
- Upload or enter the serial number of your exclusion letter
- NYSC will confirm its authenticity
This verification process is useful for employers, government agencies, and embassies.
What Does the NYSC Exclusion Letter Look Like?
The NYSC Exclusion Letter usually includes the following details:
- NYSC logo and official letterhead
- Your full name and passport photo
- Matriculation number and institution
- Programme type (e.g. Part-time)
- Date of graduation
- A statement confirming exclusion from NYSC
- QR code or unique reference number for verification
Conclusion
Printing your NYSC Exclusion Letter is a straightforward process, but it must be done correctly to ensure it’s accepted by employers and government agencies. If you graduated from a part-time, distance learning, or NOUN programme, you’re not required to serve — but you do need to print and keep this vital document.
Stay informed, register early, and keep your documents safe. If you encounter issues, the NYSC support system is available on the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I serve in NYSC with an Exclusion Letter?
No. The Exclusion Letter means you are not eligible to serve and have been officially excluded from the programme.
❓ Can I use the Exclusion Letter for job applications?
Yes. It is a valid legal document often requested by employers as proof of NYSC status.
❓ What if I lose my NYSC Exclusion Letter?
You can always log in to the NYSC portal and reprint your letter. Make sure to keep digital and physical copies.
❓ Is the Exclusion Letter the same as the Discharge Certificate?
No. A Discharge Certificate is for corps members who completed the full service year. Exclusion Letters are for those who didn’t serve due to programme type.
❓ How long does it take to get the Exclusion Letter?
Once you complete your registration and payment, the letter is available for download within 24–48 hours.