The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over recent revelations surrounding the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the mobilization of ineligible graduates, particularly from the University of Calabar (UNICAL). The association has also questioned the NYSC’s handling of the controversy involving the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, regarding his alleged fake NYSC certificate.

The NYSC, in a statement signed 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. Among the shocking discoveries was that a bread seller had been mobilized as a graduate for the one-year mandatory national service. The NYSC, in collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, took swift action to invalidate the certificates of these unqualified individuals.

HURIWA commended the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL for her proactive role in uncovering this fraudulent activity and praised the NYSC for taking prompt action. However, the association also expressed concern about the systemic issues within the NYSC that allowed such a significant number of unqualified individuals to be mobilized in the first place.

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

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

In addition to addressing the issues surrounding UNICAL, HURIWA also raised a significant question regarding the NYSC’s handling of the legal battle with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. The association recalled that the NYSC had accused Mbah of possessing a fake NYSC certificate, which the governor-elect (as Mbah then was) had repeatedly denied. 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. Despite the outcome, HURIWA is now demanding to know why the NYSC did not appeal the judgment within the 90-day window, allowing the case to become “statute barred.”

“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?” HURIWA queried. “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?”

HURIWA warned that the NYSC’s failure to appeal the judgment could irreparably damage its image as a credible certificate-awarding institution. The association stressed that if the NYSC cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, it should consider reinstating the certificates it recently revoked from the unqualified graduates of UNICAL.

Furthermore, HURIWA highlighted other instances where the NYSC’s actions have raised concerns about the application of the law. The association pointed to 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. The NYSC had previously stated that Musawa’s appointment violated the NYSC Act, which prohibits corps members from holding government appointments until they complete their service. However, despite this, the NYSC remained silent, and no action was taken to address the situation.

HURIWA emphasized that the NYSC must apply the law equally to all individuals, regardless of their status or position. The association reiterated its support for the NYSC as an institution but warned that selective enforcement of the law could undermine public trust in the organization.

“We are strong supporters of the NYSC because of its vital role in national integration and youth development,” HURIWA stated. “However, we are not slaves to the NYSC. When the law is applied selectively, it erodes the credibility of the institution. The same law that rescinded the certificates of unqualified graduates should apply to every individual, including those in high office.”

In conclusion, HURIWA called on the NYSC to address these concerns transparently and take immediate steps to restore public confidence in its processes. The association also urged the NYSC to ensure that its internal mechanisms are robust enough to prevent future cases of wrongful mobilization and certificate forgery.