Falana Reacts To Withdrawal of 101 NYSC Certificates Over Fraudulent Mobilization

Legal luminary cum human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has vowed to take legal action against the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) over allegations of fraudulent mobilization of graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The allegation, which has caused a stir in academic circles, centers on claims that the university’s authorities have been involved in questionable practices concerning the mobilization process.

Falana, known for his advocacy for justice and the rule of law, expressed his concern over the integrity of the university’s administration.

He alleged that the institution has been engaging in the manipulation of records to facilitate the mobilization of unqualified individuals for the mandatory national service program.

Recall that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday invalidated the certificates of 101 individuals who were fraudulently mobilized for national service by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 service years.

The Scheme described this action as a major crackdown on certificate fraud and a step towards ensuring the integrity of the national service program.

According to Eddy Megwa, Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC, the organization took this action to maintain the integrity of the national service program and prevent unqualified individuals from participating.

The affected individuals were found to have been mobilized fraudulently, and their certificates have been canceled immediately.

This move is part of the NYSC’s strong commitment to ensuring that only qualified individuals are issued certificates of national service.

The Scheme warned that it will continue to take action against any individuals or institutions found to be involved in fraudulent mobilization.

The NYSC also advised the public, especially Corps Employers, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Corporate and Religious Organizations, Multi-National Companies, and Corps Producing Institutions, to verify the authenticity of certificates presented to them.

Members of the public are encouraged to confirm the authenticity of certificates at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja to avoid employing or accepting fake corps members.

Megwa stated, “The Management of the National Youth Service Corps hereby restates its strong commitment to ensuring that unqualified locally and foreign-trained Nigerian youths, especially those purported to have graduated from unaccredited universities, are not recognized, while only qualified individuals are issued NYSC Certificates of National Service.

“Arising from the above, the Certificates of National Service of the underlisted individuals have been invalidated immediately by the NYSC Management. Members of the public, especially Corps Employers, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Corporate and Religious Organizations, Multi-National Companies, Corps Producing Institutions, and other critical stakeholders of NYSC are to take note of this advertorial for prompt action.

“In addition, members of the public are also enjoined to confirm from the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, the authenticity of Certificates of National Service, Exemption, and Exclusion Letters being presented for any purpose.”