AS preparations begin for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ mobilisation, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has restated its zero tolerance for any act of fraud in the mobilisation of graduates for national service.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who sounded the note of warning in Abuja, urged stakeholders not to allow the mobilisation process to suffer disrepute.
He noted that over the years, the NYSC has earned public confidence for its transparent mobilisation process and would continue to sustain the credibility of the exercise by ensuring that the integrity of the human, technological, and material resources deployed for the activity remains solid.
General Nafiu said the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing Data Integrity for Credible Mobilisation for National Service in Contemporary Times,” was apt, considering the proliferation of unauthorized higher institutions in recent times.
He further stated that data manipulation and identity theft, inconsistent data from Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), weak inter-agency data linkages, cybersecurity breaches, and low data management capacity are among the challenges militating against a credible mobilisation process.
He added that the activities of such unapproved study centres remain a major concern, as some of them operate 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 mobilisation system depends not only on technology but also on the 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 serves as a critical platform for collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders.
She enjoined participants to use the 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 successes and embracing the challenges that lie ahead,” she added.
She urged Student Affairs Officers to always obtain their data from JAMB and not from students or other unreliable sources.
Similarly, in his contribution, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Mr Olatunji Ariyomo, said the agency would engage all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate as directed by the Federal Government.
