The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Friday debunked the claim that the scheme is mobilising corps members for war, as has been circulated on social media.
Recall that Director-General of the scheme, Brig. Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim had on Thursday, said corps members are part of the National Defence Policy of Nigeria and can be mobilised for war when the need arises.
The NYSC DG made the assertion during a programme on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ while reacting to the moves by the National Assembly to scrap the scheme.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the NYSC Deputy Director (Publications), Emeka Mgbemena on behalf of the Director (Press and Public Relations), Adenike Adeyemi.
According to the statement, the NYSC DG’s comment was misconstrued, stressing that rather than what is making the rounds on social media, the DG said, “In line with the National Defence Policy, corps members are like soldiers on reserve, because of their education, exposure and sophistication, can make them easily adaptable to military training.
“He charged them to remain focused and patriotic, and for the spirit of NYSC to live in all Nigerians.
“General Ibrahim never at any point said the corps members are being mobilised to fight a war.
“The scheme shall continue to safeguard the interest of corps members at all times.”