Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed Dogara, has assured Corps Members of getting their allowance of N77,000 soon just as he warned them against protest, saying that the scheme has zero tolerance for it.
The DG, who handed down the stern warning during an official visit to the temporary orientation camp in Kaduna at the weekend, reminded corps members that the scheme’s bylaws clearly outline the consequences of indiscipline, and corps members are expected to adhere to these rules.
He said, in the last three months, several corps members had attempted to protest, resulting in disciplinary action being taken against them.
“In NYSC, just like in the Army and the Police, we don’t allow protests because we are disciplined and law abiding. So, whenever anybody wants to deceive you, go back and read the bylaws.
“In the last three months, we have had a few corps members who showed indiscipline. They attempted to protest. So, we are keeping them behind due to their act of indiscipline,” he said.
The DG also expressed concerns over the safety of corps members, particularly with regards to night journeys, warning that most night journeys are hazardous and have resulted in accidents and kidnappings.
He said the scheme has lost several corps members to night journeys, and it is essential to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, urging corps members to desist from night journeys and prioritize their safety.
On corps members allowance, he announced that the government has agreed to double the monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.
The increase is expected to reflect in the corps members’ allowances soon, pending the completion of necessary processes, especially the cash backing, he assured.
“I need to tell you that whenever government increases salary, we in the NYSC approach the government for increment in corps members allowances and there was never a time the government did not respond to us.
“This time, government has agreed to double the amount from N33,000 to N77,000. We are only waiting for cash backing because other processes have been communicated to us, “he said.
The news of the increased allowance has been met with excitement from corps members, who have been advocating for a review of their allowances for some time.