NYSC to Mobilize Only Graduates With NERD Compliance Certificate to Tackle Certificate Fraud

The National Youth Service Corps has reaffirmed its decision to mobilize only graduates who present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), in line with Federal Government directives aimed at combating certificate fraud.

The announcement was made by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event themed “Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery,” the NYSC boss stressed the need for stricter verification processes to ensure that only genuine graduates are mobilized for national service.

He urged Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs) to properly sensitize students on the importance of the NERD compliance certificate and ensure full adherence to the new directive.

According to him, the responsibility of maintaining credibility within the mobilization system should not rest on the NYSC alone, but must involve collaboration between regulatory agencies, educational institutions, security agencies, and relevant government ministries.

General Nafiu emphasized the need for synergy among stakeholders to guarantee a transparent and efficient mobilization process for Prospective Corps Members (PCMs).

He also called for innovative solutions and stronger accountability measures capable of strengthening public confidence in the NYSC mobilization system.

Earlier in her remarks, the Director of Corps Mobilization, Mrs. Rachel Ideawor, described the pre-mobilization workshop as an important platform for collaboration between NYSC, educational institutions, and other stakeholders involved in the mobilization process.

She urged Student Affairs Officers across institutions to handle their responsibilities with integrity and ensure that all data submitted for mobilization accurately reflects the true academic profiles of graduates.

The workshop attracted representatives from major educational and regulatory bodies, including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education, the Federal Ministry of Education, and officials from NERD and SIDMACH Technologies.

Observers say the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s education and national service systems amid rising concerns over fake certificates and irregular admissions.