The National Youth Service Corps has announced plans to conduct COVID-19 tests on prospective corps members and camp officials ahead of the 2024 orientation exercise. 

This decision, according to the organization, stems from advice received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control amidst the resurgence of COVID-19 in some countries.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, made this declaration during the 2024 pre-orientation course workshop held in Abuja on Wednesday, January 31. 

He emphasized the importance of preventing the re-occurrence of any variant transmission in Nigeria.

Ahmed stated, “While the testing will not be made compulsory this time, corps members will be sensitized on the need to confirm their health status. The modalities for this will be communicated in due course.”

Furthermore, the director-general highlighted the need to review and strengthen the registration process in camps to curb the infiltration of fake or unqualified graduates.

He warned, “Any unqualified person caught and those aiding them will be handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution.”

Ahmed urged state coordinators to prioritize the safety of corps members in camp, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to evaluate security situations. 

He cautioned against night journeys, citing the risks associated with such travel, including road accidents and abduction of prospective corps members.

The director-general called upon state coordinators to intensify campaigns against night journeys, targeting motor parks, transport companies, and other relevant stakeholders.