As preparations begin for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ mobilization, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its zero tolerance for any act of fraud in the mobilization of graduates for national service.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier Olakunle Nafiu, who sounded the warning in Abuja, urged stakeholders not to allow the mobilization process to come into disrepute.
He noted that over the years, the NYSC has earned public trust for its transparent mobilization process and would continue to maintain the credibility of the exercise by ensuring that the integrity of human, technological and material resources deployed for the activity remains strong.
General Nafiu said the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing data integrity for credible mobilization for national service in contemporary times”, was appropriate, considering the proliferation of unauthorized higher institutions in recent times.
He further stated that data manipulation and identity theft, inconsistent data from Body Producing Institutions (CPI), weak inter-agency data links, cybersecurity breaches and low data management capacity are among the challenges hampering a credible mobilization process.
He added that the activities of these unapproved study centers remain a major concern, as some of them operate under dubious affiliations with accredited institutions.
“The NYSC will continue to apply sanctions whenever unethical practices are discovered.
We must be aware that the strength of our mobilization system depends not only on technology but also on the ethics, discipline and professionalism of those who manage the technology.
Let us continue to defend the principles of transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for any compromise. Every Nigerian graduate wearing the NYSC uniform must be genuinely qualified and duly verified,” he said.
The Director of the Department of Body Mobilization, Ms. Rachel Idaewor, in her speech, said that the workshop serves as a critical platform for collaboration between the NYSC, body-producing institutions and other stakeholders.
He urged participants to use the workshop deliberations and their individual roles to align with national policies and international best practices.
“I therefore urge all participants to undertake their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information uploaded is accurate and reflects the true profile of potential Corps members.
Let us work together as a cohesive team, drawing inspiration from our past successes and embracing the challenges ahead,” he added.
He urged student affairs officers to always get their data from JAMB and not from students or other unreliable sources.
Similarly, in his contribution, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Mr. Olatunji Ariyomo, said the agency would engage all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of its mandate as directed by the Federal Government.