If you don’t do NYSC, things can get complicated fast, especially if you want to work for the government or get certain kinds of jobs. I remember hearing about someone who faked their NYSC certificate and actually got arrested—like it’s seriously illegal because the law was set up that way. You can get fined, sent to jail, or banned from jobs that ask for proof of NYSC completion.

Some people get exempted, like if you’re over 30 when you graduate or have some specific health issues. You just get an official exemption letter instead, which works the same for employers. But if you just skip it with no reason, forget about getting most jobs that pay well or anything in the public sector.

I get why people might want to skip it (especially if you’re not into moving far away), but there isn’t really a legal shortcut except those official exemptions. The consequences are real, so it’s just better to do it or get an exemption if you qualify. Gotta play by the rules even if they don’t always make sense.