The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has invalidated the certificates of 101 individuals who were fraudulently mobilized for national service by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 service years.
This decisive action, announced on Monday, is part of a broader effort by the NYSC to uphold the integrity of its national service program. According to Eddy Megwa, Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC, the organization is committed to preventing unqualified individuals from participating in the program and ensuring that only those who meet the necessary criteria are awarded certificates.
The fraudulent mobilizations were uncovered following a thorough investigation, leading to the immediate cancellation of the certificates for the 101 individuals involved. This crackdown is seen as a significant step towards eradicating certificate fraud within the NYSC and reinforcing the credibility of the program.
In a public statement, the NYSC emphasized its determination to take further actions against any individuals or institutions implicated in similar fraudulent activities. The organization urged Corps Employers, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Corporate and Religious Organizations, Multi-National Companies, and Corps Producing Institutions to diligently verify the authenticity of certificates presented to them.
The NYSC also advised the general public to confirm the authenticity of any certificates at its National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja to avoid the risk of employing or accepting fake corps members.
“The Management of the National Youth Service Corps reiterates its strong commitment to ensuring that unqualified locally and foreign-trained Nigerian youths, particularly those from unaccredited universities, are not recognized. Only qualified individuals will be issued NYSC Certificates of National Service,” Megwa stated.
He further urged all stakeholders to take note of this development and ensure prompt action in verifying the credentials of any individuals claiming to have completed the NYSC program. The NYSC’s public advisory also extends to the verification of Exemption and Exclusion Letters, reinforcing the need for vigilance against fraudulent documents.
