The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading and alarmist write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits.”
At a time when national security requires responsible communication, it is deeply troubling that such a publication, replete with falsehoods, distortions, and unverified claims, has been disseminated to the public without due diligence. The narrative not only misrepresents the Scheme's operations but also attempts to incite fear and undermine public confidence in one of Nigeria’s most critical nation-building institutions.
For the avoidance of doubt, the National Youth Service Corps categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication of the Scheme. This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.
Furthermore, the Scheme deeply empathises with Mr. Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident, and we share in their concern during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them, and we sincerely hope for his safety and well-being. While this situation is distressing, it is important to clarify that he is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023. Any attempt to link his situation to the NYSC is therefore inaccurate and a misrepresentation of facts.
The NYSC remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of Corps Members and staff. In demonstration of this commitment, the Scheme has maintained a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, providing life insurance coverage for all Corps Members. Under this arrangement, all prospective Corps Members who have received their call-up letters, as well as those who have reported to orientation camps, are fully covered.
Notably, this insurance coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, in addition to their enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.In practical terms, the Scheme has continued to back its commitment with action. Over the last five years alone, NYSC has expended over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for Corps Members across the country.
On the issue of security, recognised as a broader national challenge, the NYSC works in close collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises. Corps Members posted to areas assessed as high-risk are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts. This proactive approach has been consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and much earlier in some parts of the North East.
Additionally, in line with its duty of care, the Scheme has taken decisive steps to relocate orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring the protection of both Corps Members and camp officials. It is instructive to recall the timeless principle of natural justice captured in the Latin maxim audi alteram partem, meaning “hear the other side.” This fundamental standard appears to have been completely ignored by the author of the referenced publication, who failed to seek clarification from the NYSC before disseminating misleading information to the public.
The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant. As a critical national institution, NYSC advises all stakeholders to fact-check trending information before sharing and to remain conscious of the dangers of circulating unverified content.
The Management of NYSC, therefore, urges media practitioners, stakeholders, and the general public to always verify information from credible sources before publication. The spread of fake news not only misinforms the public but also undermines national institutions and erodes trust. NYSC remains committed to its mandate of fostering national unity, youth development, and nation-building, and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Corps Members across the country. Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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