Cross section of corps members during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Nafi’u Olakunle, has asked corps members to remain neutral and apolitical as political campaigns for the 2027 general elections commence nationwide.
The DG spoke on Thursday while visiting the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members posted to Jigawa State who are currently undergoing the mandatory three-week orientation course at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse.
The charge comes at a time when political activities are gradually heating up across the country, following the lifting of the ban on campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Addressing the corps members at the camp, Olakunle said the NYSC scheme was established as a unifying platform and must not be dragged into partisan politics by any corps member.
He said, “You must remain neutral and apolitical at all times. Do not allow yourselves to be used as political thugs or agents for any politician or political party. Your loyalty is to Nigeria, not to any party.”
The DG warned that any corps member found engaging in partisan politics, campaigning for candidates or posting political materials on social media would face strict disciplinary action in line with the NYSC Bye-laws.
He reminded them that the scheme’s mandate of fostering national unity and integration could only be achieved if corps members respected the rules, regulations and oath of allegiance they swore to.
Olakunle also advised the corps members to be security conscious, respect the culture and tradition of their host communities and shun social vices such as cybercrime, drug abuse and unauthorised journeys.
According to him, the three weeks orientation course was designed to instill discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship in them (corps members), urging them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme seriously.
He said, “The white-collar jobs are no longer available. Use this opportunity to learn a skill that will make you self-reliant after service, instead of waiting for government jobs.”
The DG further assured the corps members that the scheme was working with relevant stakeholders to improve their welfare, safety and the condition of orientation camps across the country.
During an interactive session, the corps members asked questions bordering on their safety and redeployment.
Responding, Olakunle assured them that no corps member would be posted to crisis-prone areas and that the NYSC would not deploy any corps member for election duty without adequate security guarantee from INEC and security agencies.
He said, “Your safety is our priority. We have a standing Memorandum of Understanding with security agencies for your protection before, during and after any national assignment.”
On allowance, the DG advised the corps members that, “You should make judicious use of the monthly stipend N77,000, inculcate the habit of saving and investing no matter how small, instead of spending it on frivolities, so as to build something meaningful that will make them self-reliant after service.”
He also advised the corps members to utilise their service year to build wide networks by collecting valuable contacts in their places of primary assignment and host communities for future opportunities, mentorship and career growth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the NYSC Coordinator in Jigawa State, Mr. Muhammad Baba, commended the DG for the visit, describing it as a morale booster for the corps members and camp officials.
Baba said the 1,450 corps members comprising 720 males and 730 females deployed to the state were well behaved, disciplined and had fully adapted to camp life since the commencement of the orientation course.
He said, “We thank the Director General for finding time to visit Jigawa despite his tight schedule. The corps members have been exemplary in character and have shown readiness to contribute to the development of the state.”
Speaking on behalf of the corps members, Miss Gift Okoro, thanked the DG for his fatherly advice and assured him of their commitment to remain neutral and law-abiding.
She said, “On behalf of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members, we promise to be good ambassadors of the scheme and of our dear country. We will not involve ourselves in politics and will serve Nigeria diligently.”
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