Former finance minister Kemi Adeosun says she was forced to tears for three months over her forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Uncommon Woman Conference organised by the Jesus House Church, United Kingdom, she said it felt like being in a horrible pit.
Having lived and schooled in the UK, Adeosun recalled she had exceeded the age of 30 and could not partake in the NYSC.
“On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those I thought were trusted associates, the NYSC was approached for documentary proof of status,” she said.
“I then received the certificate in question. Having never worked in the NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to or familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine.”
The ex-minister said no problem was found with the certificate by the Ogun State House of Assembly in 2011 and the Department of State Services in 2015.
“I was so ashamed at that time because I was into teenagers’ mentoring and all of that. So, the experience negated the lessons I had taught my teenagers. I cried every day for three months; I didn’t do anything for anyone or myself for those months. I just cried, cried, and cried,” she said.
Adeosun added that she went for counselling and therapy after a court “vindicated” her as she still was not happy.
