By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has revealed that no fewer than 15,000 candidates forged admission letters in order to qualify for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Prof. Oloyede made the disclosure on Monday during the 2025 Batch C Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja.
According to him, many of the individuals involved are currently being prosecuted, with the support of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He also confirmed that 17 Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Registrars, along with four JAMB staff, are currently in ICPC custody for their alleged roles in facilitating the fraudulent admissions.
“I couldn’t believe that 15,000 candidates forged admission letters. As I speak with you, some deputy registrars and some deputy vice-chancellors, not less than 17, including four JAMB staff, are in prison custody. We took them to the ICPC,”
Oloyede stated.
He warned officials and stakeholders involved in the mobilisation chain to adhere strictly to rules, noting that most administrative crises are self-inflicted.
“Those who want to go to jail should do so knowingly, not by accident. Follow the rules and you will have fewer problems.”
NYSC Raises Concerns Over Fraudulent Mobilisation Attempts
On his part, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the scheme continues to confront cases of:
- Forged academic credentials
- Multiple registrations
- Identity theft
He stressed that such acts pose a direct threat to the credibility of the mobilisation process.
“Mobilisation is the gateway to the service year and a vital link in preparing young Nigerian graduates for national integration and development. This key aspect of our operations cannot be allowed to suffer disrepute,”
the DG said.
Nafiu noted that while the NYSC’s transition to digital operations through the NYSC Integrated System (NIS) has strengthened record management, it has also exposed the scheme to cyber-related vulnerabilities.
He added that the activities of unapproved study centres and degree mills continue to undermine data integrity.
Data Integrity and Training Remain Key Challenges
Also speaking, NYSC Director of Mobilisation, Rachel Idaewor, highlighted the need for improved data validation and system management, warning that data manipulation affects the future credibility of corps members.
“The integrity of our data has far-reaching implications for the personal and professional futures of our youth,”
she noted.
The development has triggered renewed calls for:
- Stronger inter-agency verification systems
- Harsher penalties for institutions aiding fraudulent admissions
- Greater oversight of digital admissions and mobilisation records
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor updates on the ongoing prosecution and reforms in the mobilisation process.
Source: The Nation
