NYSC Delay: Dental Graduates Protest Five-Year Wait, Demand Urgent Mobilisation
Tension flared at the premises of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE),former
Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, on Wednesday as a group of aggrieved graduates staged a peaceful protest over prolonged delays in their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The protesting graduates, who completed their programmes as far back as the 2020/2021 academic session, decried what they described as “endless promises” by the institution’s management without tangible results, noting that the delay has stretched beyond five years.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Mobilise Us Now” and “We Are Tired of Waiting,” the graduates lamented that the absence of NYSC certificates has cost them several employment opportunities.
One of the protesters who identified himself only as a nursing graduate said the situation had become unbearable.
“We have done everything required of us academically and financially. We are qualified and even registered as professionals, yet we are stuck at home because we have not been mobilised for NYSC,” she said.
Another graduate added: “It is frustrating that job offers come, but once they ask for NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, we lose the opportunity. We feel abandoned despite our sacrifices.”
The protesters further alleged that previous engagements with the institution’s management have yielded no concrete outcome.
“Each time we protest, they call us for meetings and promise solutions, but nothing ever changes. We are not happy protesting; we just want a permanent resolution,” one of them stated.
They appealed to relevant authorities, including the Federal Government and NYSC officials, to intervene and rescue them from what they termed an “embarrassing and career-stalling situation.”
Institution Reacts
In response, the management of FUAHSE issued a press statement, attributing the delay to the transition of the college into a full-fledged federal university.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Kayode Taiwo, assured that the matter is being addressed.
“All graduates of the institution are fully trained professionals in their respective fields and are qualified to practice without hindrance,” the statement read.
The management explained that the upgrade of the institution significantly affected the mobilisation process but insisted that the challenge has now been brought under control.
“The delay, which is not unconnected with the transition of the college to a full-fledged university, impacted the mobilisation process. However, the situation has now been put under control, and necessary steps are being taken,” Taiwo stated.
According to the school, the affected graduates have already been duly registered and licensed by their respective professional bodies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria.
“These certifications provide them with the professional recognition required for gainful employment,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by the graduates, the university assured that mobilisation for NYSC would be carried out in due course.
“The university is fully aware of the need for mobilisation, and this will be done in due course as all pending issues are being resolved,” the management assured.
Despite the assurances, the protesting graduates expressed skepticism, insisting that similar promises in the past were not fulfilled.
They urged the institution to provide a clear timeline for their mobilisation, stressing that their patience has been overstretched.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders say the resolution of the impasse will be crucial not only for the affected graduates but also for maintaining confidence in the institution’s administrative processes.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
