The NYSC certificate saga involving the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has taken a new dimension as the Presidency has finally shown interest in the matter.
It was gathered that the Presidency has written the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) demanding a thorough probe of the alleged exemption certificate scandal involving the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun.
News had circulated that the minister who reportedly graduated from London East Polytechnic at the age of 22 in 1989 had failed to comply with the NYSC Act, which makes it compulsory for every Nigerian graduate at home and abroad to participate in one year of mandatory service to the nation.
In light of the uproar generated by the controversy and the consequent pressure, the management of the NYSC revealed that from the records at their disposal the embattled Finance Minister did actually apply for an exemption certificate; they refused to state however whether the request was acceded to or not.
A source within the Presidency revealed that a formal request has been made directing the NYSC to investigate the forgery allegation against the minister and the outcome is still being awaited.
The minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed had told reporters After the
Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last Wednesday that the NYSC response on the issue should be taken as the position of the Federal Government.
Section 13 of the enabling law of the NYSC prescribes punishment for anyone who absconds from the scheme or forges its certificates and any eligible Nigerian who skipped the service is liable to be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and/or N2, 000 fine. Section 13 (3) subsection 4 also criminalises providing false information or illegally obtaining the agency’s certificate and prescribes a three year jail term for such an offence.
The Minister it has been reported parades a purported NYSC exemption certificate, which was issued in September 2009, granting her exemption from the mandatory service on account of age.
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