N-POWER: We Discovered Applicants With Fake Certificates - Staff.

As the screening of the Youth Empowerment Scheme of Federal Government continuing, it has been discovered that a number of applicants applied with fake credentials.

Yesterday, in the State of Osun, our correspondence in a dialogue with one staff of the agency conducting the authentication process who pleaded anonymous said, "We have discovered that many of the applicants used fake documentation, which has been exposed during the screening exercise that is ongoing."

He added said, "At Boluwaduro Local Government, we discovered that out of about 94 applicants that were successfully shortlisted, almost 10 have been debarred on certificates scandal and other related issues.

He alleged, "Some applicant submitted fake results, while others have Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and claimed to have gotten National College of Education, which is against the lay down principles of NPOWER scheme.

He said, "Also, in Ifelodun Local Government and loads of others, there are issues of forgery and credential manipulation."

It was also established that the screening has been completed in some of the 30 Local Governments of the state while, the rest are expected to report to State office to complete theirs, for some of the applicants failed to show up within the time stipulated.

He advised, "Federal and State Government should entreat in working perfectly for the reason that, there are thousands of graduates who have good documents but, could not get this opportunity. The government should maintain merit so as to encourage youths with better certifications and also shun engaging people through back door."