At least 208 National Youth Service Corps members across 7 states have had service extension or outright repeat of the service year, for violating the service rules. Among the affected states are Lagos, Nasarawa, Anambra, Enugu, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, and Delta state.
Some had absconded from service would, such will be remobilised to start service afresh whenever they resurfaced. Nasarawa had 40 cases, Enugu 38, Anambra 23, Ondo 27 among others. Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Jingi Denis, has stated that nine of the 870 National Youths Service Corps members in 2021 Batch “A,” Stream II, will have to repeat the service year due to incidences of abscondment.
Denis said the step taken at the stream’s passing out parade is in accordance with NYSC norms and regulations. One corps member will receive a State Award in appreciation of his remarkable achievement throughout his tenure in Abia state while five others will receive commendation certificates.
He told the departing corps members that their respect for the pledge they swore during their induction ceremony, as well as the historical milestones they achieved during their time in the state, will live on in the state’s records.
Denis exhorted them not to be afraid of the unfamiliar labour market, noting that the service had given them the skills they needed to become business owners while they were in the camp.
Charles Esonu, Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development, addressed the corps members, urging them to “believe in Nigeria and appreciate its corporate existence as a peaceful nation” as their service year came to a conclusion.
The state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, addressed the corps members, advising them to “do not engage in activities that will undermine the noble ideas the society has bestowed on you for participating in the NYSC scheme,” thus serving as good ambassadors for their immediate families and resource materials for national unity and integration.
In a related development, 11 out of the 683 National Youths Service Corps members who finished their one-year term in Gombe, have had their service extended, while seven others have absconded.
Gombe State Coordinator of NYSC, Ada Imoni, told participants at the Gombe Stadium that the steps were implemented after erring corps members faced the corps disciplinary committee.
He said; “A total of 683 corps members are set to pass out today for 2021 batch A stream II service year, out of which seven absconded and 11 got an extension of service for various offences committed, after facing the corps disciplinary committee.
“Let me put on record that while the scheme rewards hard work to serve as a morale booster. It also disciplines erring corps members to serve as a deterrent to others. I, therefore, call on other serving corps members to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the operations of the scheme at all times.”