NYSC Restates Zero Tolerance For Data Manipulation In Mobilisation

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has restated its zero tolerance for any act of fraudulence in the mobilisation of graduates for national service.

This was the central message contained in the keynote address of the Scheme’s Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja.

In a statement by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, he stated that over the years, NYSC has earned public confidence for its transparent mobilisation process.

He said it would continue to sustain the credibility of the exercise by ensuring that the integrity of the human, technological and other material resources deployed for the activity remains solid.

General Nafiu, who said that the theme “Enhancing Data Integrity for Credible Mobilisation for National Service in Contemporary Times” was apt, noted that the proliferation of unauthorised higher institutions in recent times had made the issue of data integrity more critical.

He further identified data manipulation and identity theft, inconsistent data from Corps Producing Institutions, weak inter-agency data linkages, cybersecurity and system breaches, and low data management capacity as some of the challenges militating against a credible mobilisation process.

He added that the activities of such unapproved study centres remained a major concern, as some of them operated 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 will depend 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, described the workshop as a critical platform for collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders.

She enjoined participants to use 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.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, in his presentation, urged workshop participants to avoid data manipulation and other sharp practices.

He disclosed that no fewer than 17 persons, including some JAMB officials, were being prosecuted by law enforcement agencies for various offences relating to admission, graduation, and mobilisation for national service.

He advised Student Affairs Officers to always obtain their data directly 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), Engr Olatunji Ariyomo, said the agency would engage all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate as directed by the Federal Government.