24,575 graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria may soon be mobilised for national service, following a commitment by the National Universities Commission to engage the National Youth Service Corps on policy reforms that have long excluded distance learning graduates from the mandatory scheme.

NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu made the pledge on Saturday in Abuja at NOUN's 15th convocation ceremony, where 24,575 graduates received various degrees, comprising 17,474 undergraduate degrees, 1,788 postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 master's degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees.

Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, acknowledged that the demographic profile of NOUN graduates had shifted considerably, with younger students now completing degrees before the age of 30, making them age eligible for NYSC mobilisation under existing rules.

"I want to assure you, at NUC, we will engage with NYSC to see what policy changes can be made for non graduates, because the dynamics have changed. Unlike in the past, where graduates are now 30 years and above, in recent times, you have graduates of a younger age, less than 30, who are likely to participate in the NYSC based on age. We will do our best to see that this thing is effected," Ribadu assured.

The appeal gained further weight from the NOUN Chancellor and Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who called on relevant authorities to remove all barriers preventing eligible NOUN graduates from participating fully in the NYSC scheme, describing the current arrangement as unequal treatment.

Ribadu also highlighted NOUN's scale and reach, noting that the institution currently serves more than 500,000 enrolled students nationwide, operates the largest Moodle based learning management system in West Africa, and extends educational access to working professionals, security personnel, civil servants, women, and inmates in correctional facilities.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening NOUN's digital infrastructure and expanding access to flexible, accredited education as a strategic response to Nigeria's growing tertiary admission crisis.