I’ve had different questions from graduates who studied outside the country. Just like you, they mainly ask whether they need the NYSC evaluation letter for online registration and, if so, what steps are involved in obtaining it.
I didn’t graduate abroad, so I found it difficult to provide detailed answers to these questions.
Thankfully, a foreign graduate documented her journey in obtaining the NYSC evaluation letter and I’m excited to share her experience with you here.
I’ve revised it myself to ensure the article is accurate and not in any way misleading.
Enjoy yourself!
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Hi guys, my name is Amaka, the Daughter of Zion. I schooled at the University of Texas in the United States and had to traveled down to Nigeria for my national service.
Thanks to Local Man, I have read many educative articles on this blog that helped me prepare for my NYSC, but I just couldn’t find satisfying information on how to process the evaluation letter needed for online registration. This made me go through the process like a complete beginner.
Like Nigerians would say; “follow who know road”. I documented my experience so you won’t have to endure the same challenges I faced.
To begin with, here are some things you need to know about foreign graduates and NYSC evaluation letter.
What is the meaning of NYSC Evaluation Letter?
An evaluation letter, in the context of NYSC, is a document issued to foreign graduates by the Federal Ministry of Education as a confirmation that such graduates indeed studied in accredited schools outside of Nigeria.
Is Evaluation Letter Compulsory for Foreign Graduates?
Yes, getting your letter of evaluation is a compulsory requirement for NYSC registration. Whether your degree is from Togo, Canada, or even Antarctica; as long as you didn’t earn it on Nigerian soil, the system considers you a foreign graduate, which means you must undergo evaluation by the Federal Ministry of Education.
In January 2024, the process for getting the NYSC evaluation letter became stricter after an investigative journalist, Umar Audu, exposed flaws in the system. He registered and got mobilized for NYSC by using a fake certificate he obtained in six weeks from a school in Benin Republic.
This exposure led to national embarrassment for the NYSC and as you would imagine, it put the Federal Ministry of Education under public scrutiny.
After much stress and sweat, I got my evaluation letter in 45 days. You can get yours within 7 days if you follow the procedures below.
Step 1: Book an Appointment Online
To book an appointment, visit the Federal Ministry of Education’s evaluation portal.
Click on “Register”, in the drop-down menu to create an account. After successful registration, choose “Evaluation of Certificate(s)” to proceed.
When the system prompts you to select the documents for evaluation and specify the number of pages for each, choose and upload these documents:
- First Degree/Diploma Certificate (B.Sc, B.A, HND, etc.)
- Academic Transcript
- O’Level Certificate (WAEC, NECO, etc.) showing at least 5 credits, including English and Mathematics, obtained in no more than two sittings.
Ensure all documents are in PDF format and under 500MB in size.
Note: Each page costs 5,000 naira. For example, a 2-page transcript costs #10,000; a 1-page WAEC result is #5,000; while a 1-page diploma is #5,000. This brings the total cost for these documents to 20,000 naira. I met someone with a 9-page transcript which seemed unusual to me. He paid N55,000 in total (including WAEC and diploma costs).
After uploading, you’re to make payment online. You can use an ATM card, Remita, or other online payment options. In my case, I used my GT Bank card to pay directly.
Next, select a date and time for your appointment then print both your payment receipt and appointment slip.
Take the printouts, (along with the originals and 2 copies of each of the under-listed documents) to your physical appointment at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. All the documents must be placed in a brown envelope.
These documents are compulsory for sighting purposes:
- First Degree / Diploma
- O’Level Certificate
- International Passport
- Bio data page of international passport
- Data page showing departure for School
- Data page showing arrival back to Nigeria
- Admission Letter from your School
- 2 Passport photographs
Ensure you have all your original documents before going to the Ministry. This is essential to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, wasted travel costs, and disappointment.
I initially brought only photocopies and had to go back to get the originals. I had to have them shipped from my country of study which delayed the process by three weeks.
Now you know why when you hear people say the NYSC process for foreign graduates is a hassle.
📌 Bonus: The medical fitness certificate is also a requirement at the orientation camp. Message on Whatsapp now to process yours.
Step 2: Get to the Ministry of Education Early
Although your appointment slip may indicate a specific date and time, here’s a tip: ignore it and arrive as early as possible, as only 80 people are attended to each day.
In my case, I followed the scheduled time of 3:00 pm only to find out that they had already reached their daily limit. I had to go back home without getting attention. The next time, I arrived at 5:30 am and secured the first spot on the attendance list.
Whatever time you arrive there, just be prepared to WAIT.
I was the first in line and still waited for about 6 hours. It’s either you wait early or you wait later. The waiting is unavoidable but you can take along a book, snacks, or some entertainment to pass the time.
Step 3: Finally, It’s Time to Get Evaluated
Here’s the passage revised to active voice:
Once your ticket number is called, you’ll go inside and present your original documents. The staff attending to you will carefully examine each document, verify its authenticity, and confirm whether your school is accredited.
If satisfied, they will keep your photocopies and return the originals to you.
Always keep your original documents safe because they are extremely important. No one should take them from you.
After the evaluation, you will wait 1-2 hours to confirm that there are no errors.
Timeline for Getting Your NYSC Evaluation Letter
This part can be a bit tricky. NYSC requires the Ministry of Education to send evaluation letters in batches, with a set number of letters sent each time.
How long it takes to process your letter depends on your position in the batch.
If you’re among the first in line, it may take longer to gather the required number for the batch. However, if you’re near the end, the process might be quicker.
The Ministry will prepare the evaluation letter and send it to the National Youth Service Corps first before releasing it to you. On average, allow about 7 business days to pick up your NYSC evaluation letter.
Pro Tip: Consider getting the phone number of a staff of the Ministry of Education to assist you in tracking your letter. You can offer a tip for their help when you come to pick it up.
Picking up your NYSC Evaluation Letter
Once your NYSC evaluation letter is ready, go to the evaluation unit on the 8th floor of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja during working hours.
- Locate your name on the list.
- Collect your letter.
- Make 1-2 copies on the 6th floor.
- Return the original letter back to the officer.
The Ministry will keep the original letter while you keep the copy. This copy will be uploaded on the NYSC portal during online registration. Your original copy will be given to you during the physical verification exercise.
In conclusion, the important thing is to START your process early and have all your original documents.
Unprecedented events that can cause significant delays are bound to happen so time is of the essence with NYSC online registration.
I hope you found value in this. I’m available to respond to your questions via the comment box below. 👇