Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Introduces Mandatory NERD Project Registration for Graduates

Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Introduces Mandatory-Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has released an important directive affecting final-year Higher National Diploma (HND II) students and individuals preparing for national service. The announcement introduces a compulsory academic documentation step tied directly to project submission records and eligibility for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation.

This update applies specifically to students who have successfully completed and defended their final projects. According to the institution, compliance with the new instruction is essential for seamless academic clearance and smooth participation in the NYSC scheme. Students who fail to act within the stipulated timeline risk unnecessary delays during graduation processing and mobilisation exercises.

The notice underscores the institution’s commitment to aligning its academic procedures with national data management standards while ensuring that graduates meet all regulatory requirements before leaving the system.

What the New Directive Means for Affected Students

The Polytechnic’s management clarified that all eligible students must formally register their final-year projects on the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). This digital platform serves as a national academic archive where student research outputs are documented, verified, and stored.

Project registration on NERD is now a prerequisite for obtaining official clearance related to national service. Without confirmation of successful NERD documentation, students will not be cleared for onward processes linked to NYSC mobilisation.

This measure is part of a broader national effort to standardise academic records, promote originality, and ensure that student research contributions are properly catalogued within Nigeria’s education data ecosystem.

Who Must Comply With the NERD Registration Requirement

The directive targets two main categories of students:

Prospective Corps Members who have concluded their academic programmes
HND II students who have completed and defended their final-year projects

These groups are expected to complete the registration process as part of their graduation and post-graduation documentation. The Polytechnic emphasised that the requirement is non-negotiable and applies regardless of department or course of study.

By enforcing this step, the institution aims to prevent last-minute complications that often arise during clearance and NYSC mobilisation stages.

Importance of NERD Clearance for NYSC Mobilisation

NERD clearance plays a critical role in determining whether a graduate can proceed to the NYSC Orientation Camp. The Polytechnic explained that mobilisation will not be approved for any student whose project details are not properly registered and verified on the NERD platform.

This means that even students who have fulfilled all academic obligations within the Polytechnic may still be held back if their NERD records are incomplete or missing. As NYSC mobilisation timelines are strictly regulated, delays caused by non-compliance could result in graduates missing an entire service batch.

To avoid such setbacks, students are strongly encouraged to complete their registration well ahead of mobilisation deadlines.

Registration Timeline and Start Date

Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic announced that the NERD project registration process will officially commence on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. Students are advised not to wait until deadlines draw near before initiating the process.

Early registration allows time to address potential issues such as data mismatches, upload errors, or verification delays. It also ensures that students can proceed smoothly with other clearance requirements without unnecessary pressure.

The institution reiterated that procrastination may lead to avoidable complications, especially during peak NYSC processing periods.

Institutional Advisory to Students

The Polytechnic urged all affected students to treat the directive with seriousness and urgency. According to the notice, compliance is in the best interest of students and will significantly reduce administrative bottlenecks during graduation and national service preparation.

Management also encouraged students to rely only on official guidance released by the institution and to seek clarification through approved academic offices where necessary. Students are expected to complete their registration accurately and ensure that the submitted information matches their academic records.

Aligning Academic Records With National Standards

By mandating NERD registration, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic joins other tertiary institutions across Nigeria in supporting a centralised academic data system. The initiative strengthens transparency, improves record-keeping, and enhances the credibility of student research outputs nationwide.

For graduates, this step not only supports NYSC mobilisation but also contributes to long-term academic visibility, as registered projects become part of a national scholarly repository.

Final Note to Graduating Students

Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students through the transition from academic life to national service. The institution called on all eligible students to complete the NERD project registration within the specified period and avoid actions that could jeopardise their mobilisation prospects.

Students who comply promptly are better positioned to move forward confidently into the next phase of their academic and professional journey.