The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has said it will review and strengthen the registration process in camp to checkmate the activities of fraudulent elements attempting to present themselves for the National Service.
The director general of NYSC, Brig. General Yusha’u Ahmed stated this in Abuja yesterday, at the 2024 batch A pre-orientation course workshop.
The essence of the workshop was to review the conduct of the previous Orientation Courses with a view to strategizing for optimal performance.
Ahmed said the management is committed to deepening the impact of the Orientation Course on Corps members, especially to prepare them for nation building.
Speaking on the theme “Orientation Course: Panacea for Engendering Youth Attitudinal Change and National Development,” the DG said as was the case with previous exercises, the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course will be conducted in two streams.
According to him, based on reports submitted on the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Streams I and II Orientation Courses and observations made through other avenues, the scheme will address attempt by Unqualified Persons to get registered:
He said, “These include fake graduates appearing as Prospective Corps Members and persons, who, having served previously or issued with Exemption Certificate, attempt to present themselves again for the National Service.
“The registration process in Camp must, therefore, be reviewed and strengthened to checkmate the activities of these fraudulent elements. Like we have warned previously at various forums, any unqualified person caught and those aiding them will be handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution.”
On the issue of security of corps members, he said there has been a tremendous improvement in this area. However, security remains a matter of priority in all aspects of our operation, especially during the Orientation Course.
“Proactive measures must be taken by State Coordinators and other stakeholders to evaluate the security situations in all Camp locations. There should be proper surveillance of the Camps and adjoining areas before and during the exercise,” he said.
He further said the scheme is not relenting in its efforts to check the problem of night journeys that has become a nightmare for the Scheme in view of the perilous consequences such as road accident and abduction of Prospective Corps Members on their way to States of deployment.
“I, therefore, enjoin everyone to ensure that measures put in place to curtail this negative trend are followed to the letter. In line with a recent decision of the Management, State Coordinators are expected to continue to take the campaign against night travel to motor parks, transport companies and other relevant stakeholders before the commencement of the Orientation Course,” he added.
On his part, the director, planning research and statistics, Alh. Ahmed Wada Ikaka said the Scheme is working closely with critical stakeholders towards ensuring seamless conduct of the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course nationwide.
“It is expected that this forum will assist in coming up with far reaching resolutions, as well as strategies for the smooth execution of the forthcoming exercise.”
