HURIWA To NYSC: Defend The Integrity Of Your Certification

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over recent revelations surrounding the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization of ineligible graduates, particularly from the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

HURIWA specifically expressed concern over the systemic issues within the NYSC that allowed such a significant number of unqualified individuals to be mobilized in the first place.

This was as the human rights organization questioned the Scheme’s handling of the controversy involving the Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State regarding his alleged fake NYSC certificate.

It noted that the NYSC had in a statement by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, confirmed the demobilization of 54 unqualified graduates from UNICAL to prevent the issuance of NYSC certificates to ineligible persons. HURIWA which stated these in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, noted that among the shocking discoveries was that of a bread seller who had been mobilized as a graduate for the one-year mandatory national service.

It said the NYSC, in collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, took swift action to invalidate the certificates of the unqualified individuals.

HURIWA while commending the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL for her proactive role in uncovering the fraudulent activity, also praised the NYSC for taking prompt action.

HURIWA tasked the NYSC not to rely solely on the vigilance of university authorities but should also develop its internal mechanisms to detect and prevent such occurrences and therefore called on the Scheme to strengthen its state offices and improve its intelligence-gathering capabilities to prevent future cases of wrongful mobilization.

According to HURIWA; “The fact that over 100 fake graduates were mobilized from one institution raises serious concerns about the integrity of the NYSC’s mobilization process nationwide.

“If this can happen at UNICAL, how many other institutions across the country might have similar cases of wrongful mobilization?” it asked.

HURIWA also raised a significant question regarding the NYSC’s handling of the legal battle with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, saying that the Scheme had accused Mbah of possessing a fake NYSC certificate, which the governor-elect (as Mbah then was) had repeatedly denied.

According to HURIWA; “The NYSC’s Director-General, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, even went public to affirm that the certificate did not originate from the NYSC.

“In response, Mbah took the matter to court, suing the NYSC for defamation and seeking N20 billion in damages. The Federal High Court, in its ruling, dismissed the NYSC’s claims and declared Mbah’s certificate authentic. The court also fined the NYSC N5 million for misrepresentation of facts.

HURIWA demanded to know why the NYSC did not appeal the judgment within the 90-day window than allowing the case to become ‘statute barred.’

It further said; “The NYSC is the issuing authority of the certificates, and they categorically stated that Peter Mbah’s certificate was fake. Yet, after losing the case at the Federal High Court, the NYSC failed to appeal the ruling. Why?

“This failure to pursue the case to the highest extent raises serious questions about the integrity and resolve of the NYSC. Nigerians deserve to know why the NYSC did not challenge the Federal High Court’s decision. If the NYSC truly believed that Mbah’s certificate was fake, why did they not take the matter to the Court of Appeal?,” it said.

HURIWA said that the failure of the NYSC to appeal the judgment could irreparably damage its image as a credible certificate-awarding institution, stressing that if the NYSC cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, it should reconsider reinstating the certificates it recently revoked from the unqualified graduates of UNICAL.

HURIWA also highlighted other instances where the NYSC’s actions have raised concerns about the application of the law, stressing that the case of Hannatu Musawa, the current Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, who was reportedly appointed to her ministerial position while still serving as a youth corps member is a case in point.

HURIWA said that the NYSC had stated that Musawa’s appointment violated the NYSC Act, which prohibits corps members from holding government appointments until they complete their service.

It said; “However, despite this, the NYSC remained silent, and no action was taken to address the situation. The NYSC must apply the law equally to all individuals, regardless of their status or position. The selective enforcement of the law could undermine public trust in the organization.

“The same law that rescinded the certificates of unqualified graduates should apply to every individual, including those in high offices,” it stressed.

HURIWA called on the NYSC to address these concerns transparently and take immediate steps to restore public confidence in its processes.