More than 25,000 Nigerian graduates who studied in the Republic of Niger remain unable to begin national service seven years after completing their studies, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NANS President, Abubakar Muhammad Uwaisu, said the affected graduates met all legal and academic requirements but have remained shut out of the mobilisation process.

What should have been a routine transition into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the association said, has instead turned into a prolonged and unresolved ordeal, one that has left thousands of young Nigerians stranded, their careers stalled and their futures uncertain.

“These are not illegal students. These are not unqualified graduates. They are Nigerians who studied in recognised and accredited universities in the Republic of Niger, complied with every requirement, obtained clearance from the Federal Ministry of Education, and registered with the National Youth Service Corps in good faith.

“Their dreams are delayed. Their futures are on hold. Their lives are paused, not because they failed, but because the system has failed them,” he added.

Uwaisu said the situation has dragged on for seven years without any clear resolution, leaving many of the graduates in a state of prolonged uncertainty.

“For seven years, they have waited. For seven years, they have hoped. For seven years, they have been ignored. And we must ask why?” Uwaisu said.

He alleged that the delay may not be accidental, pointing to what he described as a pattern of actions aimed at frustrating the mobilisation process.

“The answer is disturbing. There is a deliberate and sustained effort by certain individuals and interests to frustrate this process,” he said.

According to him, part of the challenge stems from petitions and communications purportedly originating from the Republic of Niger, which he said have been used to stall progress.

However, he maintained that the Nigerien government has denied issuing such communications.

“The Government of Niger has officially denied such communications and has clearly stated that all official correspondence is transmitted strictly through diplomatic channels,” he said.

He also questioned why verified documents appear to be overlooked while questionable ones gain traction.

“Why are falsehoods being elevated above verified truth? Who benefits from the suffering of over 25,000 Nigerian youths?” he asked.

Describing the situation as ‘institutional injustice’, Uwaisu warned of its deeper impact, including emotional strain, financial hardship and growing disillusionment among the affected graduates.

“This is no longer just an administrative delay; this is institutional injustice,” he said.

He added that if left unresolved, the situation could create avoidable diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger. (Vanguard)