By Daniel Agbor
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has declared zero tolerance for any form of racketeering in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process within the institution, warning that anyone found engaging in such illegal practices will face strict disciplinary action.
Prof. Offiong made the declaration during a pre-mobilisation briefing organised for prospective corps members and final year students of the university, where he emphasised the need for transparency and integrity in the mobilisation process.
The Vice-Chancellor cautioned that any student who attempts to falsify academic records or manipulate the system in order to participate in the NYSC programme will have his or her certificate withdrawn and may face further disciplinary measures in accordance with the regulations of the university.
He explained that the management of the university has recently carried out significant improvements on the institution’s result portal. According to him, the upgrade was deliberately undertaken to close loopholes that had previously been exploited by unscrupulous individuals to perpetrate fraudulent activities.
Prof. Offiong urged the students to avoid actions capable of bringing the institution into disrepute, reminding them that as graduates of the University of Calabar they represent the institution wherever they find themselves.
He further advised them to maintain a high standard of conduct and to steer clear of activities that could jeopardize their future careers and personal reputations.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of safeguarding the reputation and integrity of the university, noting that the institution has produced distinguished alumni who are making remarkable contributions across various sectors both within Nigeria and around the world.
“Let us collectively work together to preserve the good name of our institution,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Eyo Mensah, explained that the objective of the pre-mobilisation briefing was to properly acquaint final year students with the procedures and requirements involved in the NYSC mobilisation process.
According to him, the briefing is compulsory for all final year students preparing for mobilisation into the scheme, as it provides essential guidance on registration procedures, documentation requirements, data reconciliation and common mistakes students must avoid during the mobilisation process.
The Pre-NYSC mobilisation briefing also featured detailed presentations on result preparation and the NYSC mobilisation chain. The sessions were delivered by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Director of Results, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, who spoke on the process of result preparation and its critical role in the mobilisation process.
Another presentation was delivered by the Student Affairs Officer, Mr. Agba Ebenezer Agba, who provided an overview of the NYSC mobilisation chain within the University of Calabar and the responsibilities of relevant units involved in ensuring a seamless mobilisation process.
The interactive session allowed students to gain deeper insight into the mobilisation process while reinforcing the university administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of the institution’s academic integrity.
