CurrentReport Blog The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is currently embroiled in a major scandal following the discovery of massive certificate forgeries. DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retired), the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 14th Governing Council of UNICAL, has expressed strong disapproval over the revelation that numerous fraudulent certificates were issued by the university.
In a shocking development yesterday, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) invalidated the certificates of 101 individuals who were fraudulently mobilized for national service by UNICAL during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 service years. The NYSC described its actions as a significant move in the fight against certificate fraud, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national service program.
During an interview with DAILY POST, Ekpoudom voiced his concerns over the scandal, stating that university officials might be involved and promising stringent measures against those found culpable. “My belief is that those behind the crime are not far from University staff. We have since started investigations to uncover those behind this,” Ekpoudom said.
He commended the NYSC for its efforts in uncovering the fraud, labeling the revelation as just the beginning. “This is just the first phase. The next phase is for us to find out those behind this saga,” he added.
Ekpoudom confirmed that the individuals involved were not students of UNICAL, branding them as criminals. He assured the public that the university would take decisive action to address the situation and restore its reputation.
This scandal has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the educational system and the national service program in Nigeria. As investigations continue, the public is closely watching to see how UNICAL and the relevant authorities will handle the situation.