The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strongly refuted a misleading report alleging that over 200 corps members were issued queries for skipping a Christmas Carol event.

The Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, clarified in a statement issued from Abuja that the NYSC does not force religious participation and that corps members are free to practice any religion as guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution.

Embu explained that only the weekly Community Development Service (CDS) and the monthly General Community Development Service (GCDS) are mandatory activities for all corps members throughout their service year. She emphasized that failure to participate in these programs affects eligibility for receiving the Certificate of National Service.

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The controversy began after reports emerged about the absence of some corps members in Atiba, Oyo State, during a headcount in December 2024. Embu revealed that these individuals were not only absent from their scheduled CDS activities but had also failed to seek written permission to travel outside the state between December 16, 2024, and January 6, 2025. Consequently, they were issued queries as part of the NYSC’s corrective procedures, which Embu clarified had nothing to do with the alleged Christmas Carol.

The NYSC official also reiterated the organization’s commitment to upholding its bye-laws, which guide corps members’ activities and outline penalties for any violations. She urged the media to engage in responsible reporting and urged the public to disregard the false claims which, she stated, could unnecessarily stir religious tensions.

Embu concluded by affirming NYSC’s continued commitment to maintaining transparent communication with the public and the media.

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