UNICAL Pro-Chancellor Commends NYSC for Exposing Fake Graduates, Vows Action Against Involved Staff

The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd), has praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its efforts in uncovering and exposing fake graduates who were fraudulently mobilised for the national service.

In a phone interview with a journalist, Ekpoudom expressed his support for the NYSC's crackdown on certificate fraud, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the national programme. The NYSC, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, recently revealed that 101 individuals had been fraudulently mobilised from UNICAL between the 2021 and 2023 service years. This discovery marks a significant step in preventing unqualified individuals from participating in the NYSC scheme.

DIG Ekpoudom assured that the university is taking the matter seriously and has launched a thorough investigation to identify the staff members involved in the fraudulent mobilisation of these individuals. He pledged that those found responsible would face appropriate sanctions.

"NYSC has done very well in this regard. We are trying to identify the staff involved to address the issue appropriately. The individuals are not students; they forged documents to secure employment. This is the first step. The next step is to uncover those behind this criminal activity,” Ekpoudom stated.

The Pro-Chancellor's commitment to addressing this issue underscores the university's determination to uphold its reputation and ensure that only qualified graduates are mobilised for the NYSC programme.