The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied reports that it reached an agreement with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to collect a N200 levy from students as a condition for mobilisation for national service.
The NYSC said it had neither discussed nor agreed to the proposed levy and had not entered into any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NANS concerning the collection of money from students in connection with the mobilisation process.
In a statement signed by Caroline Embu, director, Information and Public Relations, the Scheme urged students and prospective corps members to disregard reports suggesting that payment of a levy to NANS or any other student association was required for NYSC mobilisation.
“The NYSC wishes to state unequivocally that it has not, at any time, discussed, agreed to, or entered into any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) regarding the collection of any levy from students in connection with mobilisation for national service,” the statement said.
The clarification follows a viral publication titled, “NANS Moves to Collect N200 Levy from Nigerian Students, Links Dues to NYSC Mobilisation,” which reportedly suggested a connection between payment of the levy and students’ eligibility for mobilisation.
The NYSC stressed that the scheme operates under the authority of the Federal Government and implements only policies, guidelines and procedures approved by the appropriate government authorities.
It said its mobilisation process was conducted through established official channels and did not involve student associations.
According to the Scheme, the process involves collaboration between NYSC management and the Heads of Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), who are responsible for submitting the required information on eligible graduates for mobilisation.
“The mobilisation process is neither linked to nor contingent upon the activities of any student association or organisation,” the NYSC said.
The clarification is significant for prospective corps members, particularly final-year students and graduates preparing for national service, as unofficial payment demands could create confusion and expose students to potential financial exploitation.
The NYSC therefore advised members of the public, especially students and prospective corps members, to rely only on official information regarding mobilisation requirements and procedures.
“Consequently, members of the public, particularly Prospective Corps Members and students, are advised to disregard any information suggesting that payment of a levy to NANS or any other association is a requirement for NYSC mobilisation,” the statement said.
The Scheme reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and efficient mobilisation process in line with existing government policies and guidelines.
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