NYSC moves to curb fake graduates, vows strict verification of corps members’ qualifications

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on fraud and malpractice in the mobilization of corps members across the country.

Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, stated this during the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop held in Abuja on Monday.

Nafiu emphasized that only genuinely qualified graduates would be allowed to wear the NYSC uniform, stressing that the integrity of the mobilization process must be upheld at all times.

He expressed concern over the growing number of unapproved higher institutions and the rising cases of data manipulation, identity theft, inconsistent records from corps-producing institutions, weak inter-agency data linkages, and system breaches.

“The scheme will not hesitate to sanction anyone or any institution found engaging in unethical practices. NYSC will continue to strengthen its data integrity and ensure that only eligible graduates are mobilized,” the DG said.

Also speaking, the Director of Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, urged stakeholders to align with national policies and international best practices to ensure transparency in the process.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, decried the rising cases of data falsification and called for closer collaboration between JAMB and tertiary institutions.

Oloyede revealed that at least 17 persons, including some JAMB officials, are currently facing prosecution over offences related to admission, graduation, and mobilization for national service.

He advised Student Affairs Officers to source data directly from JAMB’s database rather than relying on information supplied by students or unverified sources.

The workshop brought together representatives from universities, polytechnics, and relevant agencies to deliberate on improving the integrity of NYSC’s mobilization process.