The National Youth Service Corps has dismissed reports suggesting that students will have to pay a N200 annual fee to the National Association of Nigerian Students before they can participate in the NYSC mobilisation exercise.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday after the NANS leadership reportedly proposed introducing an annual levy and linking it to the mobilisation of students for national service.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the NYSC said it had no agreement with NANS to collect money from students as part of the mobilisation process.
“The NYSC wishes to state unequivocally that it has not, at any time, discussed, agreed to, or entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of Nigerian Students regarding the collection of any levy from students in connection with mobilisation for national service,” the statement said.
The Scheme explained that the mobilisation of eligible graduates is handled through its established system, with institutions responsible for forwarding the required information to the NYSC.
It also stressed that student bodies have no authority over the mobilisation process and cannot determine whether a graduate will be mobilised.
“The mobilisation process is neither linked to nor contingent upon the activities of any student association or organisation,” it added.
The NYSC advised students preparing for national service to ignore messages or claims suggesting that payment to NANS or another student organisation is necessary before they can be mobilised.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NYSC mobilisation process is straightforward and is conducted through established official channels,” the statement said.
The controversy followed comments from NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, who disclosed that the association was considering collecting N200 yearly from students as dues.
Babatunde had further indicated that discussions could be held between NANS and the NYSC, with students potentially required to provide evidence of payment before gaining access to the mobilisation process.
The NYSC, however, maintained that its mobilisation arrangements remain separate from the activities or financial requirements of student associations.
It reiterated that it would continue to ensure that the mobilisation process is properly managed and carried out transparently in accordance with government regulations.