By Isaac Torkuma

Several graduates of the Gboko study centre affiliated with Tansian University have reportedly been unable to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme due to unresolved accreditation and documentation issues.

The development has sparked concerns among affected graduates and parents, many of whom say the delay has disrupted employment opportunities and further academic pursuits.

Graduates from the Gboko study centre in Benue State, popularly known as the Fidei Centre, affiliated with Tansian University, are reportedly facing difficulties with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation over issues linked to the centre’s operational status.

Some affected graduates claim they have remained at home for more than two years after completing their programmes, with only statements of result issued while awaiting mobilisation approval.

Findings indicate that the challenge may be connected to regulatory concerns involving satellite campuses and compliance with guidelines issued by the National Universities Commission.

Under NUC regulations, private universities are required to operate academic programmes and graduate students from approved campuses. Tansian University’s recognised main campus is located in Umunya, Anambra State.

According to sources familiar with the process, the NYSC mobilisation portal verifies the campus and admission records of graduates submitted by institutions. Where discrepancies reportedly exist regarding the approved location of study, such names may not be successfully processed for mobilisation.

Sources also stated that all graduates expected to participate in the scheme must appear on the official Senate-approved list submitted by the university’s main campus registry.

However, concerns have emerged that admissions, examinations, and fee processing for students at the Gboko centre were allegedly handled locally, creating possible inconsistencies with records maintained at the university’s central administration.

Education stakeholders further point to stricter digital verification requirements introduced under the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank policy, which reportedly mandates the upload of final-year academic records and projects before mobilisation or exemption processing.

Observers say the tighter verification framework has made it more difficult for graduates from unapproved outreach centres to be integrated into the national mobilisation system without complete institutional documentation.

Affected graduates are reportedly being advised to engage with officials of the Gboko centre and the university’s main campus management to explore possible solutions, including the issuance of NYSC exemption certificates where applicable.

The situation has also raised wider concerns among parents and prospective students over whether adequate information was provided regarding the centre’s accreditation and affiliation status before admissions were offered.

Questions are now being directed at the management of the Fidei Centre, including its co-founder, Mrs. Dorothy Mato, over the continued admission of students despite allegations that the affiliation arrangement may have ceased years ago.

For many graduates, the issue extends beyond delayed service. Some say the absence of an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate has negatively affected job applications, career advancement, and postgraduate opportunities.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from National Youth Service Corps, the management of Tansian University, or representatives of the Gboko centre regarding the allegations.