By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strongly refuted a viral publication alleging that the scheme exposes graduates to danger, describing the report as misleading, alarmist, and riddled with falsehoods.
The controversial write-up, titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” has sparked concern nationwide. However, NYSC officials say the claims misrepresent the agency’s operations and are capable of inciting unnecessary fear while undermining public trust in the institution.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Scheme categorically denied the existence of any “ransom clause” in its governing laws, stressing that such assertions are entirely fictitious and should be disregarded.
The NYSC also addressed reports linking a recent security incident involving Mr. Musa Usman Abba to the Scheme. According to the agency, Abba is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his service in 2023. Officials described attempts to associate the incident with NYSC as inaccurate and misleading, while expressing sympathy for the victim and his family.
Reaffirming its commitment to Corps Members’ welfare, the Scheme highlighted its long-standing insurance partnership with Capital Express Assurance Limited, which has provided life coverage for Corps Members since 2004. The coverage includes prospective members and extends up to three weeks after service completion, alongside enrollment in the national health insurance program.
NYSC further disclosed that it has spent over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for Corps Members in the past five years, underscoring its proactive approach to welfare.
On security, the agency acknowledged broader national challenges but emphasized ongoing collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of Corps Members. Measures include deploying escorts to high-risk areas and relocating orientation camps from vulnerable states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, and Plateau to safer locations.
The Scheme criticized the authors of the viral report for failing to seek clarification before publication, invoking the principle of fair hearing and responsible journalism.
Amid rising misinformation, NYSC urged media practitioners and the public to verify information from credible sources before dissemination, warning that fake news threatens national unity and erodes trust in key institutions.
Despite the controversy, the NYSC reaffirmed its mandate to promote national unity, youth development, and nation-building, pledging continued efforts to safeguard all Corps Members across the country.
