The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has disclosed that a bread seller who never attended school was illegally mobilized for the NYSC scheme by the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
This shocking revelation came to light during an investigation into fraudulent mobilizations within the university, leading to the demobilisation of 54 corps members across various states.
“Before I came here as DG, there was a time such a list of people was found in the same University of Calabar, where we discovered a bread seller was mobilized as a corps member,” Brig. Gen. Ahmed stated.
He explained that certain corrupt individuals within the system generated fake NYSC registration numbers and assigned courses to unqualified individuals, allowing them to be mobilized fraudulently.
The Director General further revealed the extent of the fraudulent activities, noting that 178 fake graduates were identified in total.
“The actual number reported is 178. We have invalidated 99 certificates, including two exemption certificates, and we have blocked 19 more who were waiting for mobilization,” he said.
The investigation also led to the suspension of certificate production for four candidates who were about to receive their NYSC certificates.
Ahmed emphasized that the NYSC has taken steps to prevent such fraudulent activities, stating, “We have communicated to all our state coordinators, and the 54 serving corps members have already been demobilized.”
Commending UNICAL
Ahmed commended the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Professor Florence Obi for her forthrightness to have earlier hinted the scheme on the mobilisation of unqualified graduates from her institution.
He insisted that the scheme would leave no stone unturned in sanitising its mobilisation process.
“The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appeared on the institution’s list and they ought not to have been there.
“She checked the list the school gave us and I told her that their certificates would be invalidated.
Following procedures
He urged prospective students to follow legitimate procedures, warning that attempts to “cut corners” will ultimately lead to repercussions.
He also called on organizations and agencies to verify certificates before offering employment or appointments, stressing the need to curb the menace of fake credentials.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in the NYSC mobilization process and the consequences of fraudulent activities within educational institutions.
UNICAL’s reaction
EduCeleb.com earlier reported on the clarification offered by UNICAL in the fraudulent mobilization of unqualified individuals, including the bread seller, for the NYSC scheme.
The university acknowledged the incident but emphasized that the illegal mobilization was the result of actions taken by a few corrupt individuals within the system who bypassed established protocols.
UNICAL’s management stated that they have taken immediate steps to address the situation, including conducting an internal investigation and collaborating with the NYSC to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The university also reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its processes and preventing future occurrences of such fraudulent activities.
For information on Press Releases, Photos, Promotional Events and Adverts, Please message us on WhatsApp via (+234) 09052129258, 08124662170 or send an email to: info@educeleb.com.
