“NYSC Cracks Down on Fake Graduates: 54 UNICAL Students Demobilized, Certificates Invalidated

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken decisive action against the illegal mobilization of graduates from the University of Calabar, demobilizing 54 individuals to prevent the issuance of National Service certificates to unqualified persons. According to Eddy Megwa, the Scheme’s Director of Information and Public Relations, this move follows thorough scrutiny and detection of fraudulent registrations.

Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, disclosed in Abuja that among the 54 affected, nineteen had initially registered online for mobilization but were barred from service. Additionally, four Certificates of National Service intended for other culprits were withheld. This action aligns with the NYSC’s commitment to upholding standards and ensuring only eligible graduates participate in the national service program.

Earlier, NYSC had invalidated the certificates of 101 graduates from UNICAL who were unlawfully mobilized between 2021 and 2023. The Pro-Chancellor of the University, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd.), praised NYSC for exposing these fraudulent acts and pledged disciplinary measures against involved staff. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, also collaborated closely with NYSC, alerting them to irregularities in the institution’s mobilization lists.

Brigadier-General Ahmed emphasized the importance of integrity in the data input process for graduates, asserting that any lapses in mobilization reflect poorly on the institution’s management. He urged employers nationwide to verify the authenticity of NYSC certificates presented by job applicants to combat fraud in employment processes. The NYSC plans to intensify collaborations with universities and relevant stakeholders to eliminate such misconduct in the future.