University of Calabar Investigates Officials Over Fake NYSC Mobilization Scandal

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross Rivers State has pledged to take strict action against those involved in the fraudulent mobilization of unqualified graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

On Tuesday, Udom Ekpoudom, the Pro-Chancellor of the university and a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, announced that an investigation is underway to identify and hold accountable the officials implicated in the scandal.

The NYSC had previously revealed on Monday that it discovered 101 unqualified individuals who were improperly enlisted for the mandatory service program by UNICAL. The corps issued a statement from its Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, detailing that these individuals, who were fraudulently registered during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 service years, included 99 people and two with exemptions.

The NYSC emphasized its commitment to ensuring that only qualified graduates are recognized and that certificates of national service are issued solely to those who meet the necessary criteria. As a result, the certificates of the affected individuals have been revoked.

In response, Ekpoudom expressed his disappointment, labeling the situation as highly embarrassing for the institution. He assured that the university is working diligently to uncover the staff members responsible for the deceitful actions and vowed that appropriate measures would be taken against them.

“The NYSC has made significant progress in addressing this issue. Our immediate focus is to determine the staff involved in this misconduct and take necessary disciplinary actions. We are dealing with a serious issue of document forgery, and it is crucial to identify those behind these criminal activities,” Ekpoudom stated.