21 days in Camp: NYSC reacts; We stand by our story –Ripples Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in reaction to a two-part investigative serial published by Ripples Nigeria has said that issues raised in the report “have either been exaggerated or are false claims”.

Ripples Nigeria had in attempts to fulfill one of its mission statements, dug deeper into the NYSC scheme to observe the experiences, and welfare of youth corpers, as well as the level of efficiency of administrative processes of the scheme pre camp, during the 21-days camping, and post camp period around the country.

The reports were titled: ‘Investigation… 21 days in NYSC camps: How Nigeria frustrates its youths, as officials plunder lean resources’ and ‘Investigation… 21 days in NYSC camps: 59 meals, 7 pieces of beef; Where did all the money go?’.

We stand by our story as being true representations from observations of happenings, processes, facilities and amenities at the Zamfara, Gombe and Oyo states camps in which we embedded our reporters.

The NYSC in its reaction said it appreciated the reports, and efforts of Ripples Nigeria as part of its stakeholders, for the concern over operational efficiency and welfare of Corps members.

It however continued, that the NYSC makes “bold to state that the computerization of our mobilization process, especially with the introduction of online registration and biometric verification, has gone a long way to make the entire process less cumbersome.

“The innovative deployment of ICT solutions in our operations is an evolving process, and we are committed to ensuring continuous improvement.

Read Also : I’ll oppose the NGO bill because it threatens rights to free speech, assembly- Sani

“The claim about the registration portal not being accessible is untrue, except if a visitor makes attempt before the officially announced date of commencement of registration.

“As regards, the payment of N3,000 for the printing of Call-up Letters, we maintain our assurance that prospective Corps members that are not interested in printing their Call-up Letters online need not make such payment.

“There is no such thing as payment for Green Card; and this can be attested to by persons who have opted for the option of collecting their Call-up Letters by hand through their institutions of graduation.

“The issuance of kits to Corps members is one area we have continued to improve upon in terms of quality over the years.

“Now to the purported lack of satisfaction with quality of food in some camps. We wish to first point out that quality camp feeding is an integral part of our Corps Welfare policy.

“All camps are mandated by the Management to ensure that Corps members are well fed within budgetary provisions.

“Furthermore, the Management has put in place a machinery for monitoring of the camps by key officials of the National Directorate Headquarters to ensure optimum utilization of available resources.

“As a further measure towards ensuring transparency in the handling of camp feeding, and in line with our policy on inclusive camp administration, Corps members have always been involved in the preparation of meals daily on platoon basis.

“We wish to assure that the Management remains committed to the welfare of Corps members, and will not relent in this regard.

“The Director-General, the rest of the Management team, and other staff of the Scheme stand in loco parentis for the Corps members and will continue to carry out their assignment with every sense of responsibility”, the statement read.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now