The National Youth Service Corps will tomorrow October 15, 2015 begin the issuance of certificates bearing embossed photographs of corps members. The new certificates also contain back code with security numbers.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi at the unveiling of the newly improved certificate of national service.
“In our concerted effort to make the operation of the NYSC conform with global best practices, the scheme engaged in the holistic “e-nysc solution” with effect from batch ‘C’ 2014, where prospective corps members register online before proceeding to the orientation camps.
“This resulted in the enhancement of issuance of NYSC certificates namely: Certificate of National Service, Certificate of Exemptions, and Letters of Exclusion.
“With effect from Batch ‘C’ 2014, all certificates of national service bear passport photographs of the corps member at the upper right hand corner of the certificate.
“This is to guarantee the security of our certificates from forgery and to block all chances of impersonation.
Therefore, Batch ‘C’ 2014 corps members, who are due to pass-out on Thursday, 15 October 2015, will have their certificates embossed with their photograph.
“Employers are encouraged to forward any certificate purportedly issued by the scheme for verification of its authenticity or otherwise.
“Effort is being made by the scheme to also make the verification of all NYSC certificates to be automated for easy access by the general public.”
The director also implored members of the public especially employers to ensure that they verify the NYSC certificates of prospective employees.
“You do not have to come to the headquarters just go online and verify the authenticity of the certificate. This will ensure that the people you are recruiting are the real owners of the document.
“Those who qualify for the certificate of national service are those who participated in the youth service right from the orientation till passing out.
“Those who qualify for the certificate of exemption are graduates who are above 30 years at the time of graduation or recipients of the National Presidential Honours Award.
“Persons who have joined the Armed Forces, Police, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Security (DSS) are also issued certificates of exemption.
“Letters of exclusion are issued to part-time and distance learning students and those who have not been able to pass through the normal university or polytechnic system.”