THE Federal Government (FG) on Wednesday, condemned the use of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) uniform by unauthorized persons such as movie-makers as well as advertising practitioners, saying it is unlawful.
It described this among other infractions, as a violation of provisions of the NYSC Act, hence the need to strictly apply prescribed sanctions.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Mr Olusade Adesola stated this at a sensitization workshop on the NYSC Act, CAP.N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004, held in Abuja.
According to him, the scheme has continued to face challenges as a result of a violation of provisions in the Act.
While identifying some of the challenges to include: deteriorating conditions of orientation camps across the country, he said;” It is instructive to note that NYSC Act clearly saddles State Governments with the responsibility of providing and maintaining Orientation camps.”
He noted cases where qualified graduates fail to make themselves available for service as well as attempts by ineligible persons to participate in national service.
“I am aware that Section 13 and 14 of the enabling Statute provides penalties for these offences. In the same vein, the abuse of the NYSC uniform through usage by unauthorized persons, including movie makers and advertising practitioners unacceptable,” he said.
While commending the sensitization initiative, he said this will go a long way in creating awareness on the rights and obligations and limits conferred on every stakeholder.
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Also, expressed the FG’s support to the Scheme through the discharge of statutory obligations, especially on provision and upgrade of orientation camp facilities and corps welfare.
Similarly, he appealed to State governments to demonstrate greater concern and supports to these crops of Nigerian youth by providing an atmosphere for the operation of the scheme in their respective states.
Earlier, the NYSC Director General(DG), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim lamented cases where private, professional bodies, make requests for posting of Corps members to specific areas of endeavours for Primary Assignment.
He stressed that such requests were not in tandem with provisions of the NYSC Act from which the scheme’s posting policy is derived.
He added that:” For the avoidance of doubt, corps members are assigned to serve in areas where their services are required in line with national needs, with priority given to rural transformation.”
In view of this, he urged Nigerians such as undergraduates as well as their parents/ guardians to familiarize themselves with the Act for better understanding of the scheme’s policies and operations.
The DG further disclosed that despite its various feats, the scheme was still grappling with challenges ranging from stakeholders’ obligations and compliance with regulations on mobilization and exemption from service.