Credential Tussle: Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Denies Falsifying NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has formally denied allegations suggesting he falsified his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School records.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, on Friday, March 6, 2026, the lawmaker characterized a recent petition seeking his investigation as a coordinated attempt to malign his character and disrupt his legislative duties.

The development follows a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a civil society group questioning the authenticity of his academic and service credentials.

The controversy centers on claims that there are discrepancies in the names appearing on Kalu’s certificates compared to his official records in the House of Representatives.

Kalu, however, maintained that all name changes were conducted through legitimate legal processes and are backed by valid affidavits and gazetted notices.

He argued that the petitioners are misinterpreting standard administrative variations as evidence of fraud, stressing that his records have been consistently vetted by relevant security and electoral authorities during past screening exercises.

The Deputy Speaker’s office emphasized that the mere submission of a petition does not constitute a verdict of guilt. The statement noted: "A petition is not a proof of wrongdoing; it is merely a documented allegation.

We wish to state categorically that the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has never falsified any document, be it NYSC, Law School, or any other certificate." It further asserted: "These are malicious claims orchestrated by political detractors who are uncomfortable with his rising profile and commitment to national development."

Kalu’s legal team has reportedly compiled all necessary documentation to address any inquiries from the EFCC or other investigative bodies.

The lawmaker noted that his participation in the NYSC program and his call to the Nigerian Bar were conducted under transparent circumstances, with verifiable records available at the respective institutions. He challenged his accusers to provide concrete evidence of forgery rather than relying on "unsubstantiated claims and social media blackmail."

The Deputy Speaker has indicated that he will not be distracted by the allegations and will continue to focus on his legislative agenda, including constitutional review and regional security initiatives.

His office warned that it reserves the right to seek legal redress for defamation against individuals or groups propagating "falsehoods" intended to damage his reputation.

No formal invitation has been extended to the lawmaker by the EFCC as of the time of filing this report.