REVEALED: Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Was Once Rejected By Senate For Skipping NYSC

REVEALED: Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Was Once Rejected By Senate For Skipping NYSC

All attention is now focused on the Nigerian Senate to see if it will contradict its previous decision and confirm a nominee it rejected three years ago for failing to provide evidence of participating in the mandatory National Youth Service scheme.

In September 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari nominated lawyer Hannatu Musawa for a position as national commissioner representing Nigeria’s North-west geopolitical zone on the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) board.

However, the Senate declined to approve her appointment in October 2020 after the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters reported that she could not prove her participation in the national service after graduating from university.

Read Also PROFILES And PHOTOS Of President Tinubu’s 19 Fresh Ministerial Nominees

According to the law, the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is compulsory for Nigerians who graduate from universities before the age of 30. It is a statutory requirement for government and private sector jobs, and failure to participate, absconding, or forging the program’s certificate can result in penalties.

Following the rejection, President Buhari withdrew her nomination and later appointed Umaru Farouk Aminu in her place, and he was confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Shekarau, the chair of the Senate committee that disqualified Ms. Musawa, is no longer a member of the Senate, but his deputy at the time, Barinada Mpigi, is still serving.

Recently, Ms. Musawa appeared before the Senate for her confirmation hearing, but senators did not question her extensively or review the documents she submitted. She included her Senior School Certificate and membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, but omitted her curriculum vitae and degree certificates, making it challenging for Senators to determine her educational qualifications and NYSC status.

Her LinkedIn profile indicates that she holds a law degree from the University of Buckingham and two Masters from the University of Cardiff and the University of Aberdeen. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her previous rejection, she was asked to take a bow and go after reading an emotional statement about her background.

Despite not providing a response to reporters’ inquiries, Ms. Musawa had been appointed as President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on culture and entertainment economy before later being nominated to his cabinet. The spokesperson to the president, Ajuri Ngelale, has not yet responded to questions regarding this matter.