THE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has stated that on the heels of the new reported cases of COVID-19 Omicron variant, evidence of vaccination will now be made mandatory for prospective corps members (PCM) from 2022.
It also stressed that it would not let down its guard on strict adherence to COVID-19 safety precautions.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, made the disclosure on Monday in his nationwide virtual address to the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members and camp officials.
He said from the next orientation exercise, all the incoming PCMs would have to show evidence of vaccination before they would be allowed into the camp for registration.
“We want to ensure that we adhere strictly to the non -pharmaceutical protocols of COVID-19,” Ibrahim added.
On the other hand, the DG advised corps members who would complete their orientation course on Tuesday to add value to themselves by acquiring entrepreneurship skills, instead of seeking the scarcely available salaried jobs.
He said the scheme had partnered several institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Access Bank, Bank of Industry (BOI), NYSC Foundation, Heritage Bank and others to provide soft loans to corps members with good business proposals.
He urged corps members to continue with the post-camp training of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme they started during the orientation course.
He also cautioned the corps members against borrowing money to execute projects, but advised that they should source for funds from their locality.
NYSC membership not right for immunity, crime
Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu, has again warned corps members against indulging in criminal activities.
Shuaibu gave the warning at Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the closing ceremony of the 2021 Batch C, Stream II, Orientation Course on Tuesday.
Represented by Ekiti Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs Mary Chikezie, he said the service membership did not immune any corps members involved in illegality from facing the full wrath of the law.
The programme, which was observed in a low key in compliance with COVID-19 Protocols, was held at the Permanent NYSC Orientation Camp, Emure-Ekiti, in Emure Local Government Area.
“At all times, you should be good ambassador of NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation.
“You must be wary of acts that can soil our image, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud.
“Remember that your membership of the service corps does not cover immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing.
“I, therefore, enjoin you to continue to be law abiding while also serving as role models for the younger ones,” the NYSC D-G said.
He, however, reiterated the commitment of the scheme to ensuring safety and welfare of corps members at all times.
He, therefore, called on corps members’ employers, especially the State and Local Government Authorities as well as traditional rulers to give necessary encouragement to the corps members.
The NYSC boss said, “I consider it appropriate to once again appeal to corps employers and other stakeholders to always accept corps members posted to them and make necessary provisions for their welfare and necessary encouragement.”
A total of 1,735 corps members took oath of allegiance to serve their fatherland for the 2021 Batch C Stream II on Nov. 30, for the three-week orientation course.
