News
NYSC And Purveyors Of Fake News
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.
Signed
Management
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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