NAS Urges Ban on NYSC Deployments to High-Risk States

The National Association of Students (NAS) has demanded an immediate ban on the posting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to high-risk states in Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity that threatens the safety of young graduates. Dr. Joseph Oteri, a representative of NAS, emphasized the urgent need to reassess the NYSC deployment system, particularly in light of rising cases of kidnappings and violent attacks across various regions.

He referenced recent incidents, including the abduction of prospective corps members in Sokoto and previous attacks involving corps members in Zamfara. The association criticized the current deployment practices, which expose young graduates to significant risks, and called for reforms to prioritize their safety.

NAS specifically named states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, and Niger as high-risk areas where corps members should no longer be posted. They recommended integrating security risk assessments into deployment decisions and improving travel arrangements and insurance coverage for corps members.