The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued formal queries to over 200 corps members serving in the Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State for allegedly failing to attend a Christmas Carol party organized on December 20, 2024. This event was mandated by the Local Government Inspector (LGI), Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin, who stated that attendance was required regardless of the corps members' religious affiliations.
The NYSC's action has raised concerns among the corps members, many of whom cited personal beliefs and potential conflicts with the scheme's regulations as reasons for their absence. Some corps members reported that they were engaged in their primary assignments during the time of the event and were unaware of any requirement to attend a religious gathering.
In the query letters, it was noted that the corps members were absent during a headcount conducted on the same day as the Carol party and had allegedly traveled outside the state without obtaining prior written consent from the state coordinator. Affected corps members have expressed frustration over being penalized for what they believe to be an unjust requirement, emphasizing that participation in religious events should not be obligatory.
Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin defended the queries as being in line with NYSC regulations but faced backlash from corps members who questioned how their travel could be monitored. They argue that they were fulfilling their duties at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) during the relevant period.
The NYSC State Coordinator for Oyo, Abel Odoba, along with Acting National Spokesperson Mrs. Carol Lembu, has indicated that an investigation into this matter will be conducted. Coordinator Odoba stated, “It is even not allowed to mandate corps members to attend any Christmas Carol party or any religious gathering. That is rubbish and total nonsense that will not be tolerated.”