By Nkechi Eze
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false and misleading a widely circulated publication alleging that the Scheme exposes Nigerian graduates to banditry and includes a so-called “ransom clause.”
In a strongly worded statement, the Scheme described the report titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits” as alarmist, inaccurate, and capable of inciting fear among the public while undermining confidence in the institution.
NYSC management said there is “no provision whatsoever” for any ransom clause in its Act, bye-laws, or official publications, stressing that the claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded.
The Scheme also clarified issues surrounding the reported case of Mr. Musa Usman Abba, expressing sympathy for him and his family over the unfortunate incident, but noted 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 statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to corps members’ welfare, the NYSC highlighted its long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited, which has provided life insurance coverage for corps members since 2004. It added that coverage extends to all prospective corps members from the point of receiving call-up letters through orientation and up to three weeks after service.
The Scheme further disclosed that corps members are also enrolled under the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting that over ₦500 million has been spent in the last five years on urgent medical interventions nationwide.
On security, NYSC said it continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of corps members, including the provision of military escorts in high-risk areas—a measure it said has been consistently implemented since 2024 in parts of the North West and earlier in the North East.
It also revealed that orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau have been relocated to safer locations as part of proactive efforts to safeguard personnel.
Citing the principle of natural justice, audi alteram partem—“hear the other side”—the Scheme criticised the author of the viral publication for failing to seek clarification before disseminating what it described as misleading information.
The NYSC warned that repeated misinformation campaigns targeting the Scheme make it imperative for the media and the public to verify information before sharing.
It urged stakeholders to rely on credible sources, stressing that the spread of fake news not only misinforms citizens but also erodes trust in national institutions.
The Scheme reiterated its commitment to its core mandate of promoting national unity, youth development, and nation-building, while assuring that all necessary measures would continue to be taken to guarantee the safety and welfare of corps members across the country.
