The National Youth Service Corps, or NYSC, responded to what it called a deceptive publication about the question that was sent to roughly 200 corps members.
The circulating rumor that the corps members were questioned for not taking part in a Christmas Carol was refuted by the Scheme.
The Scheme stressed that every corps member is free to practice any religion they choose, as protected by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution, without being forced to do so, in a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations.
The statement also made it clear that all corps members are required to participate in the weekly Community Development Service (CDS) and the monthly General Community Development Service (GCDS) as part of the core activities during their service year; otherwise, they will not be eligible to receive their Certificate of National Service.
“For the purpose of clarity, the affected corps members in Atiba did not participate in their scheduled Community Development Service activities and were also absent during the December 2024 headcount conducted to ascertain the number of corps members on ground in Atiba.
“Furthermore, they were also not in their respective places of primary assignment within the Local Government during the period in question.
“Disturbingly, they all failed to obtain written permission from the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator to travel outside the state between December 16, 2024, and January 6, 2025.
“The queries issued to them by the Local Government Inspector serve as a corrective mechanism within the Scheme and have nothing to do with the alleged Christmas Carol.
“As a matter of fact, the National Youth Service Corps, as a responsible organization, operates within the confines of its Bye-Laws, which not only guide the activities of all corps members but also stipulate penalties for various offences.”
Reiterating its open-door policy to preserve positive media relations with the press, the NYSC Management urged reporters to report on NYSC activities and programs in a fair manner rather than disseminating unsubstantiated and inaccurate material.
“Members of the public are hereby enjoined to disregard the online publication, which is erroneous and intended to cause unnecessary religious apprehension.”
