NYSC expels 54 corps members, including bread seller, over illegal mobilization from UNICAL

In a significant crackdown on fraudulent mobilization practices, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expelled 54 corps members, including a bread seller, who were illegally enrolled as graduates of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

This decisive action was confirmed by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, in a statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa, on Saturday.

The expulsion comes after it was discovered that these individuals had been improperly mobilized for the national service program, falsely claiming to be graduates of UNICAL.

The fraud was uncovered during routine checks and verifications conducted by the NYSC, highlighting the importance of stringent oversight in the mobilization process.

Brigadier General Ahmed emphasized that the expelled corps members would face legal prosecution for their actions.

This serves as a stern warning to others who might consider attempting similar fraudulent activities. In addition to the expulsion of the 54 individuals, 19 other persons who tried to register online for mobilization were blocked from doing so, preventing further attempts at illegal enrollment.

Moreover, the NYSC has withheld four certificates of national service due to irregularities, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the program.

This incident sheds light on the challenges the NYSC faces in ensuring that only qualified graduates are mobilized for national service.

The expulsion of the bread seller among the 54 individuals has drawn particular attention, symbolizing the lengths to which some will go to participate in the NYSC program. The NYSC’s actions reflect its resolve to protect the integrity of the national service scheme and ensure that it remains a rite of passage for deserving graduates.

101 certificates voided

This development came after the NYSC voided 101 certificates of national service earlier, bringing the total number of affected certificates to 178.

The NYSC Director-General commended the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Professor Florence Obi, for reporting the illegal mobilization of unqualified graduates from her institution.

General Ahmed emphasized that the NYSC would intensify its collaboration with all Heads of Corps Producing Institutions and relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.

He also urged employers to verify the authenticity of the certificates of national service presented by job applicants.

The statement quoted Ahmed as saying, “The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appeared on the institution’s list that ought not to have been there.

“I give kudos to the Vice-Chancellor. Previously, a bread seller was mobilized on the graduation list from the same institution.

“There are bad eggs in many places that generate matriculation numbers and courses for their candidates.

“Those who are responsible for inputting the data of graduates should be people of integrity.”