NYSC Orientation Camps Faces Shutdown Threat

The Federal Government has been working with relevant agencies tasked with responsibilities to initiate changes that will create and support a post Covid-19 vibrant economy

In the Education sector, governments’ interest and strategy revolves around measures that would prove most effective to promote social distancing. In the light of this, The Economic Sustainability Committee, under the leadership of the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, in a submission, recommended a shutdown of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camps for two years.

The suspension, forms part of other successful deliberations in its report submitted to the presidency by the committee consisting of ministers representing – Finance, Budget & National Planning, State, Budget and National Planning, Industry Trade & Investment, Labour and Employment, State, Petroleum Resources, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Group Managing Director, NNPC and permanent Secretary Cabinet.

Still on the report, due considerations were made to ensure continued deployment of corps members to various areas of primary responsibility, while ensuring a 2year complete shutdown of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp activities. This will help clear any possible pile up in the database of graduates ready for the scheme.

The NYSC disclosed the proactiveness of the scheme which also share a view with governments’ precautionary objectives in containing the spread of coronavirus. According to a spokesman of the scheme, the normal passing out parade has been suspended and the period is historic as Certificates for completion of national service were issued to corps members only at the Local Government quarters in all states of the federation.

The Director General of the scheme Ibrahim Shuaibu had sometime in May 2020, expressed uncertainty concerning further mobilization of corps members, noting that new orientation activities would only commence, following governments’ directive.

Also contained in the report submitted by the committee are action points to initiate a virtual learning system in the academic sector, virtual convocation ceremonies or issuance of certificates void of ceremonies to avoid disruption of academic activities.