The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has distanced itself from the proposed N200 annual levy by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), clarifying that payment of the levy is not a requirement for students seeking mobilisation for national service.
The NYSC made this known in a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, following reports that NANS was considering linking payment of its dues to the NYSC mobilisation process.
The Scheme said it had not discussed, approved or entered into any agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with NANS regarding the collection of any levy from students as a condition for mobilisation.
“The NYSC wishes to state unequivocally that it has not, at any time, discussed, agreed to, or entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of Nigerian Students regarding the collection of any levy from students in connection with mobilisation for national service,” the statement said.
The NYSC explained that its mobilisation exercise is conducted through established official channels involving the Scheme and the Heads of Corps Producing Institutions, who provide information on eligible graduates for mobilisation.
It stressed that the process is neither linked to nor dependent on the activities of any student association or organisation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NYSC mobilisation process is straightforward and is conducted through established official channels,” the Scheme stated.
The clarification followed comments by the NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, that the association was considering introducing an annual N200 due for students.
Babatunde had also suggested that NANS could work with the NYSC and that students might be required to present proof of payment of the association’s dues before being mobilised for camp.
However, the NYSC advised prospective corps members and students to disregard any information suggesting that payment to NANS or any other student association is required for NYSC mobilisation.
The Scheme reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and efficient mobilisation process in accordance with existing government policies and guidelines.
