The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has warned Corps Members against abandoning their national assignment for foreign travel, stressing that such actions carry serious consequences under the Scheme’s regulations.
General Nafiu gave this cautionary advice while addressing the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream Two Corps Members at the NYSC Orientation Camps in Ede (Osun State), Iseyin (Oyo State), and Sagamu (Ogun State).
In a statement released on the Scheme’s official Facebook page, the NYSC DG emphasized the importance of commitment to national service and cautioned against service evasion or abscondment.
“Corps Members have been advised not to abandon their National Service in order to travel abroad,” the statement read.
“The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu stated this while addressing the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream Two Corps Members at NYSC Osun State Orientation Camp in Ede, Oyo State Orientation Camp in Iseyin and Ogun State Orientation Camp in Sagamu.”
He urged Corps Members to contribute meaningfully to national development throughout their one-year service, stating, “He called on them to brace up to contribute their quota to national development in all facets during their one year of national service.”
General Nafiu further warned that “evasion of service and abscondment attracts stiff penalties,” and advised Corps Members to ensure they obtain their Certificate of National Service before embarking on any foreign trip, if necessary.
In addition, the NYSC boss emphasized personal safety and discipline among Corps Members, urging them to remain security conscious and avoid risky adventures.
“He admonished them to always abide by the NYSC dress code, adding that improper dressing is not permitted in the Scheme,” the statement added.
The Director General’s remarks come amid rising concerns over young Nigerians seeking to emigrate before completing their national service, often referred to as “Japa syndrome.”
