Benin Republic Universities and Nigerian Polytechnics in NYSC Fraud Scandal: How Fake Mobilizations Are Being Processed
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Benin Republic Universities and Nigerian Polytechnics in NYSC Fraud Scandal: How Fake Mobilizations Are Being Processed |
Discover how some blacklisted universities in Benin Republic are allegedly collaborating with private polytechnics in Nigeria to secure NYSC mobilization for unqualified graduates.
The Shocking NYSC Certificate Fraud Scheme
A disturbing revelation has surfaced involving blacklisted Benin Republic universities and some private polytechnics in Nigeria, allegedly working together to illegally mobilize students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Investigations reveal that certain Benin varsities, previously banned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, have devised alternative routes for their graduates to obtain Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates through Nigerian institutions — granting them eligibility for NYSC.
According to a detailed report by Punch Newspapers, the scheme involves thousands of Nigerian students who graduated from blacklisted Beninoise universities but now use HND certificates from private polytechnics to serve under NYSC.
How the NYSC Fraud Operates
The fraudulent process reportedly begins when graduates from banned Benin Republic universities approach Nigerian polytechnics willing to “process” their credentials for a fee.
- Graduates pay between ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 to obtain ND and HND certificates from private polytechnics in South-West and South-East Nigeria.
- These polytechnics then mobilize them for NYSC, listing them as their own students.
- In some cases, the schools even fabricate transcripts, matriculation numbers, and CGPAs to validate the fraud.
A graduate from Esfam-Benin University admitted to paying for the process, saying that some of his classmates had already been mobilized and were awaiting NYSC call-up letters.
“Once one has money, you can get a Benin Republic certificate, then take it to a Nigerian polytechnic, pay again, and get a new certificate that allows you to go for NYSC,” he confessed.
The Role of Blacklisted Benin Republic Universities
The fraudulent collaboration stems from the 2024 ban by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, which suspended accreditation of degrees from over 45 universities in Benin and Togo after an undercover investigation by Daily Nigerian.
That investigation exposed how a reporter obtained a degree within six weeks and even served in NYSC with it — sparking nationwide outrage.
Unable to process graduates through legal channels, several blacklisted universities allegedly turned to private polytechnics to “launder” their degrees.
Inside Sources Expose the Corruption Network
A senior administrator from a banned Benin Republic university admitted to being part of the operation before withdrawing. He explained that the scheme worked as follows:
- Graduates present their Benin certificates as proof of completion.
- The Nigerian polytechnic adds their names to the Senate list — a required document for NYSC mobilization.
- After payment, transcripts are “processed,” and the students are issued ND and HND certificates from the polytechnic.
This method allows students with unrecognized foreign degrees to appear as legitimate HND holders in Nigeria.
The administrator further claimed that most Benin institutions are involved, saying the high cost of reinstatement by Nigeria’s education ministry has forced schools to find illegal shortcuts.
Reactions from Stakeholders
NYSC Denies Knowledge of the Fraud
The NYSC spokesperson, Carol Embu, denied any awareness of the scheme, stating that:
“Foreign graduates are cleared by the Ministry of Education. All foreign graduates pass through them.”
Education Ministry Responds
Folashade Omoboriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, dismissed the report as “impossible,” emphasizing that the NYSC and NBTE portals are now digitalized to detect such manipulations.
“We have digitalized our operations and such fraud cannot take place,” she added.
NBTE and COHEADs React
Dr. Usman Tunga, National Chairman of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology, said he was unaware of any polytechnic involved but vowed that any confirmed cases would be reported and sanctioned.
Implications of the NYSC Certificate Fraud
The fraudulent mobilization of unqualified graduates undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s education system, devalues NYSC certification, and disadvantages genuine students who follow due process.
Key concerns include:
- Erosion of public trust in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- Legal risks for students caught in the act.
- Threats to national integrity and employment credibility.
For more insight into NYSC mobilization and foreign degree verification, visit the official NYSC Portal or the Federal Ministry of Education website.
Restoring Integrity to the NYSC Scheme
The exposure of this fraudulent collaboration between blacklisted Benin Republic universities and Nigerian private polytechnics calls for urgent action from the Federal Ministry of Education, NYSC, and law enforcement agencies.
While authorities continue to deny its possibility, the evidence suggests a growing underground network exploiting desperate graduates for financial gain.
Nigerian students are advised to verify the accreditation of their schools before pursuing foreign degrees. To avoid falling victim to such scams, always cross-check your institution’s recognition status on the National Universities Commission (NUC) website.
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