NYSC mandates COVID-19 test for incoming corps members, to disqualify positive persons

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has insisted that everyone aiming to gain entrance into the NYSC camps must undergo a compulsory COVID- 19 rapid diagnostics test, saying only those that tested negative would be admitted for the orientation course.

This comes ahead of the 2022 Batch A Stream 1 orientation exercise.

NYSC Director-General, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim disclosed this on Friday during a live joint webinar by NYSC/NCDC organised for prospective corps members.

The DG disclosed that those that test positive to COVID-19 would be handed over to the NCDC and State Ministry of Health Officials for treatment.

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lbrahim revealed that the collaboration with NCDC has yielded good results, adding that since the partnership started, no casualty has been recorded in any of the scheme’s orientation camps across the country. 

He advised PCMs to be security conscious, avoid night journeys, while also counselling them to break any journey that would extend beyond 6:00pm. 

“You can pass the night in any NYSC orientation camp, NYSC secretariats, corps members’ lodge, military and security formations. 

“I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity because NYSC is a platform for those that are serious. Posting and other services in NYSC are free, don’t give bribe for posting,” he said.

The DG stated further that call-up letters for the 2022 batch ‘A’ orientation exercise would be ready on Sunday February 20, 2022.

In her submission, the NCDC/NYSC project lead for safe camp reopening, Dr Ladun Okunromade said adequate preparations have been put in place for the safe conduct of the 2022 batch ‘A’ orientation exercise.

She said different variants of COVID-19 are ravaging the world, while Nigeria has recorded over 1,300 cases of Lassa Fever with 46 deaths and 20 healthcare workers infected.