By Our Correspondent
Seventeen officials have been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of assisting more than 15,000 Nigerians to forge admission letters used to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that the convicted individuals include deputy vice chancellors, deputy registrars, and four JAMB staff members who were found to have collaborated with others to manipulate admission records. The convictions followed investigations carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The board explained that the syndicate was involved in producing and distributing fake admission letters, which were then presented as authentic documents issued by tertiary institutions. These forged letters enabled unqualified individuals to be mobilised for the NYSC programme, undermining the credibility of the national admission and mobilisation process.
Dr Benjamin stated that several other suspects are still under investigation for similar offences. He described the discovery as a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, adding that the actions of the officials had damaged public confidence in the admission process and in the NYSC scheme.
The ICPC confirmed that it worked closely with JAMB to uncover the network of fraudsters. The commission noted that JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) was instrumental in identifying discrepancies and exposing forged admission letters.
The Director-General of NYSC also expressed concern over the revelations, warning that the use of forged credentials in the mobilisation process compromises the objectives of the scheme and diminishes its credibility.
Education stakeholders have since called for stronger verification systems, closer collaboration between tertiary institutions, and stiffer penalties for anyone found involved in academic or admission fraud.
JAMB assured the public that it will continue to strengthen its data verification systems and collaborate with security agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process. The board also urged candidates to avoid patronising fraudulent agents who offer illegal admission assistance.
