The National Youth Service Corps has distanced itself from the proposed N200 annual levy by the National Association of Nigerian Students, saying payment of the levy is not a requirement for students seeking mobilisation for national service.
The NYSC stated this 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 neither discussed nor agreed to the proposed arrangement with NANS, adding that it had not entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with the student body on the collection of any levy.
“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 process was conducted through established official channels involving the management of the Scheme and the Heads of Corps Producing Institutions, which provide information on their graduates for mobilisation.
“The mobilisation process is neither linked to nor contingent upon the activities of any student association or organisation,” it added.
The Scheme consequently advised prospective corps members and students to disregard any information suggesting that payment of a levy to NANS or any other student association was required for NYSC mobilisation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NYSC mobilisation process is straightforward and is conducted through established official channels,” the statement said.
The clarification followed comments by the NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, that the association was considering a system under which students would pay an annual N200 due.
Babatunde had also indicated that NANS would work with the NYSC and that students might be required to show proof of payment of the association’s dues before being mobilised for camp.
The NYSC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and efficient mobilisation process in line with existing government policies and guidelines.
By Christabel Ndoeche
