NYSC Moves to Curb Data Manipulation in Graduate Mobilization

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its firm stance against fraudulent activities in the mobilization of graduates for national service, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and integrity as key values guiding its operations.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known in Abuja during the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop. He stated that the Scheme is committed to maintaining credibility and fairness in the deployment of human and technological resources used in the mobilization process.

According to Nafiu, the NYSC has earned the trust of Nigerians through its consistent record of transparent mobilization and will continue to strengthen its internal systems to prevent manipulation and uphold public confidence.

He noted that the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing Data Integrity for Credible Mobilization for National Service in Contemporary Times,” was timely, given the rising number of unauthorized institutions and unapproved study centers across the country.

NYSC Warns Against Data Fraud and Fake Institutions

Brigadier General Nafiu identified several challenges affecting the mobilization process, including data manipulation, identity theft, inconsistent records from Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), cybersecurity weaknesses, and inadequate data management capacity.

He warned that the activities of fake or unaccredited institutions operating under suspicious affiliations with recognized universities remain a major threat to the credibility of the NYSC mobilization process.

“NYSC will not hesitate to sanction any institution or individual involved in unethical practices,” Nafiu said. “The strength of our mobilization system depends not only on advanced technology but also on the discipline and professionalism of those responsible for handling sensitive data.”

He emphasized that every graduate who wears the NYSC uniform must be genuinely qualified and properly verified to maintain the integrity of the national service.

NYSC Encourages Collaboration and Accountability

The Director of Corps Mobilization, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, described the workshop as a critical avenue for collaboration among NYSC officials, Corps Producing Institutions, and key education stakeholders.

She encouraged participants to approach their duties with diligence and honesty, ensuring that all uploaded data accurately reflect the profiles of qualified graduates.

Mrs. Idaewor called on data officers to draw lessons from past experiences and strengthen cooperation to achieve a more credible mobilization system.

“Working together as a united team is the only way we can sustain the achievements of the NYSC and overcome emerging challenges in data integrity,” she added.

JAMB and NERD Support NYSC’s Drive for Transparency

In his remarks, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, cautioned participants against data falsification and other unethical practices. He revealed that at least 17 individuals, including some JAMB officials, are currently facing prosecution for offences related to admission fraud, falsified graduation records, and illegal mobilization for national service.

Oloyede urged Student Affairs Officers across tertiary institutions to always obtain official student data directly from JAMB rather than relying on unreliable or third-party sources.

He stressed that ensuring data accuracy is a shared responsibility that contributes to the integrity of the national education and mobilization system.

Similarly, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Engineer Olatunji Ariyomo, pledged the agency’s full cooperation with NYSC and other relevant bodies. He said NERD will work closely with the Federal Government to enhance data transparency and ensure that mobilization processes align with approved educational standards.

Commitment to a Transparent Mobilization Process

The NYSC leadership reaffirmed its determination to maintain a credible mobilization process that eliminates all forms of data manipulation and fraud. The Scheme continues to upgrade its data systems and strengthen collaborations with education agencies to ensure that only qualified graduates are mobilized for service.

Brigadier General Nafiu urged all institutions to remain committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism, adding that data integrity is essential to sustaining the NYSC’s national credibility.

He reminded all stakeholders that the goal of the NYSC is to promote national unity, discipline, and youth development, and these objectives can only be achieved through honesty and ethical conduct at every stage of the mobilization process.