The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reacted to the alleged forgery of its Exemption Certificate by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, saying the minister actually applied for an exemption certificate.

A statement released on Monday by its Director in charge of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Adeyemi Adenike however said that the organization would investigate the origin of the purported certificate presented by Adeosun during her ministerial screening.

“Our attention has been drawn to the issue of the alleged forgery of an NYSC Exemption Certificate by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

“Checking our records, Mrs. Adeosun did apply for an Exemption Certificate. We shall investigate the origin of the purported Exemption Certificate in question,” the statement read in part.

Reports making the rounds alleged that the minister failed to undertake the mandatory one year national service, having graduated at 22 and fraudulently obtained an exemption certificate at the age of 42, which is a violation of the NYSC establishment act, Decree No 24 of 1973 as amended.

The NYSC one-year programme is compulsory for all Nigerians who have graduated from recognized universities or other recognised institutions at less than 30 years of age.

In addition to being a requirement for government and private sector jobs in Nigeria, the enabling law prescribes punishment for anyone who absconds from the scheme or forges its certificates.

According to Section 13 of the NYSC Law, Eligible Nigerians who skipped the service are liable to be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and/or ₦2,000 fine.