The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has clarified that 200 corps members in Oyo State were queried for failing to participate in Community Development Service (CDS) activities and for being absent during the 2024 headcount.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the NYSC spokesperson, Eddy Megwa, the public was urged to disregard reports suggesting that the corps members were queried for refusing to attend a Christmas carol held on December 20, 2024.
Some online platforms had earlier reported that the corps members serving in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State were allegedly sanctioned for not attending a Christmas carol party organized by the NYSC.
Reacting to the reports, Megwa stated that the NYSC does not, and will not, impose any form of religious activity on corps members serving in any part of the country.
According to her, the affected corps members failed to participate in key NYSC activities, including the mandatory Community Development Service, and were absent during the headcount at their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
She added:
“Disturbingly, they all failed to obtain written permission from the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator before traveling 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 in the scheme and have nothing to do with the alleged Christmas carol.”
She also emphasized that the Service has bylaws guiding its operations, which stipulate penalties for erring corps members.
The monthly Community Development Service activities are mandatory for all corps members throughout their service year and are one of the key conditions for obtaining the Certificate of National Service.
She called on the press to fact-check their reports and ensure balanced reporting in their news coverage.
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