According to an exclusive report by Premium Times, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has tentatively fixed July 26,
2017 for the commencement of orientation for prospective Stream 2, Batch A corp members nationwide.
By the new timetable, the orientation programme will close on August 15.
An NYSC source told Premium Times Tuesday that the agency fixed the date during an
extended management meeting on Monday.
The date is however subject to availability of funds, a source said.
The orientation programme for the first stream of Batch A corps members held between May 23 and June 12. Their Stream
2 counterparts were expected to be mobilised for camping shortly afterwards.
But over a month later, they have not received any information to that effect, leaving many of them anxious and angry.
Premium Times reports that a source said the delay is due to lack of funds.
“We are expecting 72,000 corps members in Stream 2,” our source said. “We don’t want
to mobilise them for orientation only to be short of money midway. We want to make
sure we have enough resources.”
The official said the agency approached the Federal Government for urgent release of
funds.
“We learnt Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has approved a special intervention for us as we requested,” the source said. “The
minister was out of town on Monday. We expect that as soon as he arrives, the money
issue would be concluded.
“It takes three days for transferred funds to hit NYSC accounts. If that happens before Friday, we will go ahead with our plan to
open camping on July 26. But if there is a delay, we will move the programme forward
a bit.
“But I can tell you that we are ready for the programme.”
When contacted, Bose Aderibigbe, the spokesperson for the NYSC, declined comment on the orientation date, saying her
agency would make an announcement when it is ripe to do so.
“The date will be communicated when we are ready, ” she said. “Tell the prospective
corps members to be patient. We are working hard for a hitch-free orientation for them. Our staff are ready.”
The NYSC scheme was created in 1973 to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.”
According to the NYSC, the purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian
Youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of
oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.
