The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has addressed concerns raised by some Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) regarding their inability to register after arriving late at their respective Orientation Camps for the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Orientation Course.

Many of these PCMs were denied registration due to their late arrival, which sparked frustration and complaints, particularly on social media.

In a statement signed by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, the NYSC clarified its position on the matter.

The organisation emphasized that its guidelines for mobilization and orientation activities are clearly outlined in the NYSC Act, as well as in the Call-Up Letters provided to PCMs.

The statement pointed out that the first paragraph of the Call-Up Letters for this batch clearly indicated that registration would close at midnight on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Additionally, it stated that the Swearing-in Ceremony for successfully registered members would take place nationwide on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Despite this, the NYSC noted that as a compassionate organisation, they took steps to accommodate late arrivals.

After receiving reports about the delayed arrivals of some PCMs in various states, the Director General of NYSC directed that the registration deadline be extended by 24 hours, until midnight on Friday, August 30, 2024, to give more PCMs the opportunity to complete their registration.

However, even after this extended grace period, videos began circulating on social media showing more complaints from PCMs demanding further extensions.

In response to these continued grievances, the Director General personally visited several camps to assess the situation.

While sympathizing with those who missed the deadline, he stressed that discipline and adherence to the established rules, including timely arrival at the Orientation Camps, were fundamental principles of the NYSC, as outlined in the Scheme’s Bye-laws.

In an effort to ease the situation for the affected PCMs, the Director General issued a directive for them to be provided with accommodation and meals before their departure from the camps.

Additionally, he reassured those who made genuine attempts to meet the deadline but were unable to do so that they would be given special consideration during the 2024 Batch ‘C’ mobilization.

The NYSC management expressed sympathy for the inconvenienced PCMs but reiterated that the Scheme operates strictly within the framework of its enabling Act and Bye-laws.

Nigerians were reminded of the importance of adhering to the outlined procedures to ensure smooth operations during mobilization and orientation exercises.