The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has responded to the recent invalidation of certificates issued to 93 individuals from the school by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), clarifying its role in uncovering and addressing the fraudulent activities.
In a statement issued by the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the University management emphasised that it was UNICAL that first detected and reported the fraudulent inclusion of unqualified names in the NYSC mobilization portal. The University fully supports the NYSC’s action, viewing it as a necessary step to combat criminal impunity.
The statement clarified that the infiltration of the University’s portal was uncovered in September 2023 when it was discovered that an individual who had not graduated was participating in national service. Following an internal investigation, the University identified 10 additional cases and promptly notified the NYSC on October 4, 2023, requesting that the individuals involved be apprehended and prosecuted.
Further investigations led to the discovery of 167 more cases, bringing the total number of fraudulent entries to 178. The University reiterated that the names of these individuals were not found in any of its official records, including Senate Approved Results, Summary Lists, and Master Lists used for NYSC mobilisation. This indicates that the names were not entered by the University but were somehow smuggled into the system, with their certificates being deemed fake.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the University suspended the Data Entry Officer, Mr Obi Endurance, who is currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
UNICAL has taken further steps to maintain its integrity by forwarding the findings and recommendations of the investigation to the NYSC, ICPC, Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Vice-Chancellor also met with the NYSC Director-General to discuss the matter.
The University expressed its commitment to upholding academic excellence and transparency and called on the NYSC to address the remaining 85 cases out of the 178 reported. UNICAL also urged the ICPC to expedite its investigation to fully uncover those responsible for the fraudulent activities.
The University reassured the public and its alumni that it remains dedicated to preserving its reputation and working closely with the NYSC and other relevant agencies to resolve this issue.
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