The management of the Nation Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and that Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to partner in ensuring that graduates mobilized for national service are genuine. This came at the instance of a courtesy visit to ICPC Headquarters, Abuja by NYSC’s Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim recently.
Briefing the Chairman of ICPC, the NYSC boss said that the scheme recently uncovered a fraudulent activity, whereby some institutions of higher learning, particularly in African countries are fond of mobilizing unqualified persons for national service, and sought for cooperation to halt the unholy practice.
“Chairman Sir, some of the young men and women presented to us for mobilization by these institutions have never been to any school at all. In an effort to seek for a way out, I had the privilege to meet with Nigerian university Vice Chancellors, Rectors of Polytechnics and Provosts of Colleges of Education in Osun state, at a meeting organized by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in June this year. At that forum, l told them in clear terms that NYSC cannot continue to condone this ugly trend, which has given a bad name to the nation. Henceforth therefore, each of them will be held accountable for every name they forward to us for mobilization. It is with the aim of ensuring that erring institutions are brought to book that we are here to seek for your support” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye said that his commission is ready to work hand in hand with NYSC in putting eyes on the mobilization process of all instructions that produce Corps members.
He said “my one year of national service under NYSC was the defining moment that brought me to where I am today. I see NYSC as a great institution that no one should take for granted. I therefore give you my word that we shall work together to ensure those who are involved in the ungodly act are apprehended and sanctioned.”
