When people talk about “ghost corpers,” they are referring to individuals who falsely claim to be part of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) without actually serving. The NYSC is a mandatory one-year service program for Nigerian graduates, aimed at fostering national unity and development.
Ghost corpers manipulate the system for personal benefits, often seeking to gain financial allowances or certificates without doing any work.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into what ghost corpers are, why the issue exists, how it affects the country, and what steps are being taken to tackle the problem.
What is the NYSC and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the ghost corper issue, it’s important to understand the NYSC itself.
NYSC Overview:
- The NYSC was established in 1973 by the Nigerian government to promote national unity.
- It requires Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 to undergo one year of service in different parts of the country.
- Participants are assigned to different public or private organizations to serve in various roles, such as teaching, healthcare, or agriculture.
Throughout the service, corps members are provided with allowances (known as “allawee”), and at the end of their service, they are given a certificate of national service. This certificate is essential for certain jobs and opportunities in Nigeria.
However, because of the financial and certification benefits, some individuals try to game the system without actually participating in the service.
Who is a Ghost Corper?
A ghost corper is someone who either:
- Does not attend the mandatory orientation camp or service but still claims to be a corper.
- Pays someone else to impersonate them for the entire NYSC program.
- Fakes documentation to appear as though they completed their service year.
These individuals may go as far as securing the official NYSC certificate through illegal means. Some ghost corpers manipulate attendance records or bribe officials to cover up their absence.
Why Do People Become Ghost Corpers?
There are several reasons why someone may decide to be a ghost corper:
-
Avoiding Relocation
NYSC often posts participants to different states, which may be far from their home. Some individuals want to avoid relocating to unfamiliar or less developed areas. -
Laziness
Some people are simply unwilling to undergo the challenges of NYSC service. They may not want to participate in community work or take on the responsibilities assigned to them. -
Financial Fraud
NYSC provides a monthly allowance to all corps members. Some people try to become ghost corpers so they can claim the allowance without actually serving. -
Certificate for Job Requirements
Many jobs in Nigeria require proof of NYSC completion. Ghost corpers want to bypass the service year and obtain the certificate fraudulently.
How Do Ghost Corpers Operate?
Ghost corpers use different tactics to avoid serving while still reaping the benefits:
-
Fake Attendance
Some ghost corpers arrange with officials to falsify attendance records. This way, it looks like they attended all required events, even though they were absent. -
Bribing Supervisors
In some cases, corrupt NYSC officials or supervisors may accept bribes to help cover up the ghost corper’s absence. -
Using a Substitute
Some ghost corpers pay others to attend NYSC activities on their behalf. The substitute handles all the responsibilities while the real person stays away. -
Forged Documents
Some individuals create or buy fake NYSC certificates and other documents to make it seem as if they completed the program.
The Impact of Ghost Corpers
Ghost corpers harm the NYSC program and the country in many ways:
-
Financial Loss
The government allocates a monthly allowance to each corps member. Paying ghost corpers for work they did not do leads to wasted resources. -
Decreased Program Integrity
The NYSC was created to promote national unity and skill-building. When ghost corpers exploit the system, it undermines the program’s goals and credibility. -
Missed Opportunities for Communities
Genuine NYSC participants often provide essential services to local communities, such as teaching or healthcare. Ghost corpers deprive these communities of much-needed support. -
Ethical Issues
Ghost corpers set a bad example by showing that cheating and dishonesty are acceptable. This can contribute to a broader culture of corruption.
How is Nigeria Addressing the Problem?
The Nigerian government and NYSC officials have been working on various measures to reduce the ghost corper problem:
-
Biometric Registration
The NYSC has introduced biometric fingerprint registration to verify the identity of all corps members. This makes it harder for someone to impersonate another person. -
Attendance Monitoring
Stricter attendance monitoring systems are being put in place to track participation during orientation camps and service. -
Community Whistleblowing
Communities are encouraged to report suspicious behavior, such as corps members who never show up for work. -
Stiffer Penalties
The government has increased penalties for those caught being ghost corpers. They may face fines, imprisonment, or be permanently banned from obtaining the NYSC certificate.
How Can You Avoid Falling Into the Ghost Corper Trap?
If you are about to start your NYSC service, here are a few tips to avoid any temptation to become a ghost corper:
-
Be Prepared
Mentally prepare yourself for relocation and the challenges that may come with it. The experience can be rewarding in the long run. -
Stay Honest
Stick to the rules and fulfill your service obligations. It’s better to complete your service with integrity than to risk being caught later. -
Report Corruption
If you are approached with offers to cheat the system, report it to the proper authorities immediately.
Conclusion
A ghost corper is someone who tries to cheat the NYSC system for financial and certification benefits without actually serving. This unethical practice harms communities, drains government resources, and undermines the integrity of the NYSC program.
Thankfully, steps are being taken to combat the problem, but it will require cooperation from both the government and citizens to fully address the issue.
FAQs
What happens if a ghost corper is caught?
If a ghost corper is caught, they may face legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and permanent disqualification from obtaining an NYSC certificate.
Can you buy a fake NYSC certificate?
While some people try to buy fake certificates, it is illegal and carries severe consequences if caught.
What is biometric registration in NYSC?
biometric registration involves using fingerprint verification to ensure that all corps members are genuine and attending NYSC activities in person.
How can communities help combat ghost corpers?
Communities can report suspicious behavior to NYSC officials if they notice that a corps member is not fulfilling their service duties.
Why is NYSC important?
The NYSC helps promote national unity, skill development, and community service across Nigeria. It also provides young graduates with valuable life experiences and work opportunities.