Competent Governance for Accountability and Trust (CGAT), a prominent civil society organization, has called for extensive reforms within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The organization’s demand comes in response to the ongoing dispute between the NYSC and Enugu State’s Governor-elect, Dr. Peter Mbah, regarding the authenticity of his discharge certificate.
In a press release issued on Sunday, CGAT emphasized the urgent necessity of revamping and modernizing the NYSC.
The group urged the Federal Government to consider discontinuing the scheme if it no longer serves its intended purpose, to prevent further embarrassment caused to the Nigerian populace.
CGAT underscored that the completion of the one-year compulsory national service should guarantee an individual’s entitlement to a discharge certificate without any controversy.
The organization pointed out that the NYSC has not refuted its involvement in mobilizing Dr. Mbah for national service, assigning him to Udeh & Associates for his primary assignment in Lagos State, or granting him written permission to defer the remaining portion of his service year in order to attend the Nigerian Law School for his Bar Final examination.
CGAT further highlighted that Udeh & Associates has not denied issuing the various clearance letters that facilitated Mbah’s receipt of monthly allowances throughout his service year.
Moreover, the firm provided a final clearance letter verifying his successful completion of the one-year NYSC program from January 7, 2002, to January 6, 2003.
The group expressed bewilderment at how Dr. Mbah, having undergone these established procedures, could be accused of fabricating his own discharge certificate.
CGAT demanded that the NYSC clarify the whereabouts of Mbah’s authentic certificate if the agency asserts that the one held by the governor-elect was not issued by them.
CGAT concluded by reiterating the pressing need for reform and restructuring within the NYSC.
The organization urgently implored the Federal Government to initiate necessary changes or consider dissolving the agency altogether if it no longer serves a viable purpose.
It is essential to note that the NYSC has refuted claims of issuing Mbah’s discharge certificate and expressed its readiness to defend itself against Mbah’s legal action.
The ongoing controversy between the NYSC and Dr. Mbah has raised concerns about the credibility of the NYSC scheme and shed light on the imperative for comprehensive reforms within the agency.
