ENUGU, NIGERIA — Graduates of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, who participated in an affiliation programme with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, have expressed frustration over prolonged delays in receiving their degree certificates and participating in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
The affected graduates said the administrative challenges have left several graduating sets stranded without clearance, certificates, and mobilisation for their mandatory one-year national service.
The Delay
According to the graduates, the situation has persisted for three years. They said there has been no clear explanation from the authorities responsible.
The 2024 graduating set, which reportedly completed all academic requirements more than a year ago, is yet to be mobilised for NYSC. Similarly, the 2025 graduates have not commenced their clearance processes as of October 2026.
This is despite completing their final examinations and officially graduating. The 2026 graduating set has also joined the growing number of affected students.
A Petition to SaharaReporters
In a petition sent to SaharaReporters, the graduates accused the programme’s management of failing to provide satisfactory explanations. They said this is despite several attempts to resolve the matter.
They alleged that responsibility has continued to shift between IMT and UNN. This has left them uncertain about when their documentation and mobilisation would be completed.
Impact on Careers
The graduates explained that the prolonged delay has affected their career opportunities and future plans.
Some claimed they had lost employment opportunities because they could not provide degree certificates or NYSC discharge certificates.
Others said they were unable to pursue postgraduate studies, apply for foreign scholarships, or sit for certain professional examinations.
Personal Stories
One of the affected graduates, who requested anonymity, said the situation had become frustrating after spending five years in school.
The graduate explained that parents had made significant financial sacrifices. These included selling properties and borrowing money to sponsor their education.
They said it was painful that their children remain at home without the necessary documents to establish their academic achievements.
Another graduate disclosed that some students were the first university graduates in their families. They said their parents’ expectations had turned into anxiety because they could not provide definite answers about their NYSC participation.
They also expressed concern about watching their colleagues from other institutions complete national service and secure employment while they remained stranded.
Demands
In their petition, the graduates demanded explanations from the authorities. They want to know the reasons for the delays, the status of their academic records and certificates, and why new admissions and graduations are continuing despite the unresolved documentation of previous sets.
They also requested a clear timeline for completing the outstanding processes.
The affected graduates called on the Director of the IMT-UNN Affiliation Programme, Dr. Adachukwu Ikeyi; the Deputy Director, Dr. Bartholomew Ugwuanyi; the Rector of IMT, Enugu; the Vice-Chancellor of UNN; the university’s Registrar; and the NYSC Directorate to intervene urgently.
They maintained that their demand was not for special treatment but for transparency, accountability, and a lasting solution to the situation.
The graduates warned that continued silence could undermine confidence in the affiliation programme and create uncertainty for students currently enrolled.
They concluded by appealing to the relevant authorities to ensure that their certificates are released and eligible graduates are mobilised for national service.
They stressed that completing their education should not become the beginning of another prolonged struggle to access opportunities.
What This Means
The situation highlights the administrative challenges facing some Nigerian educational institutions.
It also underscores the importance of timely documentation and mobilisation for graduates.
What Happens Next
The authorities are expected to respond to the graduates’ demands.
For now, the focus is on finding a lasting solution. The coming weeks will reveal whether the affected graduates will receive their certificates and be mobilised for national service.
