The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied reports that corps members could be mobilized in a state of war to fight for Nigeria.
The NYSC DG, Brig. Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, was quoted to have said that corps members are part of Nigeria’s defence policy and could be mobilized for war if the need arises.
But NYSC said its DG was quoted out of context.
In a statement published on its Twitter handle, NYSC said: “This is to clarify the misrepresentation of the NYSC Director-General’s recent interview with the media currently trending on the social media.
“The Director-General had stated that in line with the National Defence Policy, Corps Members are like soldiers on reserve, because their education, exposure and sophistication, can make them easily adaptable to military training.
“He charged them to remain focused and patriotic; and for the spirit of NYSC to live in all Nigerians.
“General Ibrahim never at any point said that Corps Members are being mobilised to fight war.
“The Scheme shall continue to safeguard the interest of Corps Members at all times.”