The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its zero tolerance for any act of fraudulence in the mobilization of graduates for national service.
This was the central message contained in the keynote address of the Scheme’s Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop, which was held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He stated that over the years, NYSC has earned public confidence for its transparent mobilization process, and would continue to sustain the credibility of the exercise, by ensuring that the integrity of the human, technological and other material resources deployed for the activity remain solid.
General Nafiu who said that the theme “Enhancing Data Integrity For Credible Mobilization For National Service In Contemporary Times” coined for the workshop was apt, took into cognizance the proliferation of unauthorized higher institutions in recent times.
He stated that data manipulation and identity theft, inconsistent data from Corps Producing Institutions, weak inter-agency data linkages, cyber security and system breaches and low data management capacity were some of the challenges militating against credible mobilization process.
He further stated that the activities of such unapproved study centres remained a major concern, as some of them operated under dubious affiliations with accredited institutions.
“NYSC will continue to apply sanctions wherever such unethical practices are discovered.
We must be conscious of the fact that the strength of our mobilization system will depend not only on technology, but also on ethics, discipline, and professionalism of those who handle the technology.
Let us continue to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for compromise. Every Nigerian graduate who wears the NYSC uniform must be genuinely qualified and properly verified”, he said.
The Director, Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Rachel Idaewor in her address said the workshop was a critical platform for collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders.
She enjoined the participants to use deliberations at the workshop and their individual roles to align with national policies and international best practices.
“I therefore urge all participants to approach their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information being uploaded is accurate and reflects the true profile of Prospective Corps Members
Let us work together as a cohesive team, drawing inspiration from our past success and embrace the challenges that lie ahead”, she added.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, cautioned participants against data manipulation and other sharp practices. He revealed that no fewer than 17 individuals, including some JAMB officials, were being prosecuted for offences related to admission, graduation, and mobilization for national service. He advised Student Affairs Officers to always source their data directly from JAMB rather than from students or unreliable channels.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo, said the agency would continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate as directed by the Federal Government.
Olusola Akintonde