NYSC Scheme has encountered multifarious fake medical documents submitted by Graduates in order to meet up with NYSC requirements, identify and examine circums pectly the indelible factors behind the act.

 The NYSC medical fitness certificate report is compulsory for all NYSC Youth Corps.

In April 2019, tragedy struck at the NYSC orientation camp in Bauchi state when 28-year old corps member, Magdalene Yohanna, collapsed during exercise.

Efforts to resuscitate her proved abortive as she eventually died at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.The NYSC while debunking allegations that it concealed her death explained that Magdalene had presented a ‘clean bill of health’ medical fitness certificate whereas she was asthmatic.

he submission of fake medical documents by graduates to meet the requirements of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is indeed a serious issue and has caused a lot of catastrophe.

Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. Here are some possible factors that may be influencing the submission of fake medical documents:

1. Limited Access to Medical Facilities: Some graduates may come from regions or communities with limited access to medical facilities. In such cases, it may be difficult for them to obtain genuine medical certificates or undergo the required medical examinations. This lack of access to healthcare services can lead to desperation, pushing individuals to submit fake documents.

2. Desire to Evade Certain Service Conditions: The NYSC scheme has specific guidelines and requirements, including medical fitness assessments. Graduates who are not physically fit or have certain health conditions that may exempt them from certain aspects of the service may resort to submitting fake medical documents to avoid those obligations.

3. Peer Pressure and Competition: The NYSC scheme is highly competitive, and graduates often face pressure from peers and family members to complete the program successfully. This pressure can drive some individuals to take unethical measures, such as submitting fake medical documents, in order to secure a place in the program.

4. Lack of Awareness and Education: Some graduates may not fully understand the implications and consequences of submitting fake medical documents. They may underestimate the seriousness of the offense and the potential legal repercussions. Insufficient awareness and education about the NYSC requirements and the importance of honesty and integrity can contribute to this problem.

5. Corruption and Bribery: In certain cases, graduates may be approached by unscrupulous individuals who exploit their desperation and offer to provide fake medical documents for a fee. Corruption and bribery within the NYSC system or in the healthcare sector can facilitate the availability and use of counterfeit documents.

Addressing the issue of fake medical documents in the NYSC scheme requires a multi-faceted approach. The following measures can help mitigate this problem:

1. Strengthening Medical Facilities: Improving access to quality healthcare facilities in all regions can help graduates obtain genuine medical certificates more easily, reducing the incentive to submit fake documents.

2. Enhancing Awareness and Education: Conducting awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive information about the NYSC requirements, along with the consequences of submitting fake documents, can help deter individuals from engaging in such fraudulent practices.

3. Strict Monitoring and Verification: Implementing robust mechanisms to verify the authenticity of medical documents, such as cross-checking with medical institutions and conducting random checks, can help identify and penalize those submitting counterfeit documents.

4. Legal Consequences: Enforcing strict penalties and legal consequences for individuals found guilty of submitting fake documents can serve as a deterrent and send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.

5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaboration between the NYSC, medical institutions, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders is crucial. This collaboration can help create a system that ensures transparency, reduces corruption, and facilitates the verification of medical documents.

It is important to note that these are general factors and measures that may contribute to and address the issue of fake medical documents in the NYSC scheme.

The specific circumstances and root causes may vary, and a comprehensive analysis of the situation would require further research and investigation.

WRITTEN BY: AYOMIDE ADEBAMIJI