NYSC DG tells corps members to remain neutral as campaigns begin

Brigadier General Nafi’u Olakunle, the Director General of Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has instructed corps members to maintain strict neutrality and avoid political involvement as campaigns for the 2027 general elections commence nationwide. The directive was issued during a visit to corps members undergoing orientation in Jigawa State.

Olakunle emphasized that the NYSC scheme was established as a unifying platform and must not be drawn into partisan politics. "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," he stated. He warned that any corps member found engaging in partisan politics, campaigning for candidates, or posting political materials on social media would face severe disciplinary measures according to NYSC regulations.

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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 reminded the corps members that achieving the scheme's mandate of fostering national unity and integration depends on their adherence to the rules and their oath of allegiance. Beyond political neutrality, Olakunle also advised them to be security conscious, respect the customs of their host communities, and avoid social vices like cybercrime and drug abuse. He urged them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program seriously, highlighting its importance for self-reliance in the absence of abundant white-collar jobs.

Olakunle assured the corps members that the NYSC is working with stakeholders to improve their welfare and safety. Responding to their concerns about safety and redeployment, he guaranteed that no corps member would be posted to crisis-prone areas and that election duty deployments would only occur with adequate security guarantees from INEC and security agencies.

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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.