The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has responded to reports about concerns raised by some Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) who arrived late at their assigned Orientation Camps for the ongoing 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Orientation Course and, as a result, were not registered.
The Scheme, in a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, said its
policy on mobilization and orientation programmes was clearly spelt out in the enabling Act and Call-Up Letters issued to the PCMs.
The NYSC said the “first paragraph of the Call-Up Letters for this Batch of Corps Members stated that registration will close by 12 midnight of Thursday 29th August, 2024, while the Swearing-in Ceremony for those who successfully completed the registration process would take place simultaneously nationwide on Friday, 30th August, 2024.
As an organization that values compassion, the NYSC Management took action upon receiving reports of late arrivals from some Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) in certain states. The Director General instructed that the registration portal’s closure deadline be extended to midnight on Friday, August 30th, 2024.
However, despite this grace period, videos of PCMs complaining and demanding further extensions have appeared on social media. In response, the Director General visited several camps to evaluate the situation. While he expressed sympathy for the affected PCMs, he emphasized that following the rules outlined in the NYSC Bye-laws, including the strict adherence to the designated resumption dates for the Orientation Camp, is essential.
He, however directed that the affected Prospective Corps Members be availed accommodation and feeding before they left the camps.
“He also assured those who made efforts but could not meet up with the registration schedule for this batch, that they would be given some considerations during the 2024 Batch ‘C’ mobilization.
“While Management sympathises with the affected Prospective Corps Members, Nigerians should be reminded that the NYSC is a Scheme whose operations are based on the provisions of the enabling Act and Bye-laws.”
