posted 16th March 2025
NYSC Faces Backlash Over Alleged Harassment of Corps Member for Criticizing Government
Abuja, Nigeria – March 16, 2025 – A Nigerian lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has publicly condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly harassing a female corps member who expressed her frustrations about the government on the social media. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the rights of corps members and the misuse of NYSC regulations, with Effiong calling for the protection of the young woman’s constitutional rights.
The controversy began when the unnamed corps member posted comments online criticizing the current administration, particularly highlighting the impact of rampant inflation on Nigerians. Her remarks, which Effiong described as “justified frustrations” rather than partisan attacks, have led to claims of harassment by NYSC officials. Effiong, a prominent legal voice, took to X to defend the corps member, arguing that her freedom of expression is protected under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Effiong emphasized that corps members are not employees of the federal government or the NYSC, nor are they subject to civil service rules. Citing Section 2 of the NYSC Act (CAP. N84), he noted that the mandatory one-year national service is designed to foster national unity and interrelationship among Nigerians of diverse ethnic backgrounds, as outlined in the Act’s objectives. “Corps members are not paid salaries but paltry allowances, and there is no provision in the NYSC Act that subjects them to employment terms,” Effiong stated.
He further clarified that the Certificate of National Service, issued under Section 11 of the NYSC Act, is not an employment certificate, and employers at Places of Primary Assignment are only required to provide Letters of Acceptance, not employment letters (as per the NYSC Bye Laws). This distinction, he argued, underscores that the NYSC scheme is a national service initiative, not a federal employment program.
Effiong challenged the notion that criticizing the government, including President Tinubu, constitutes an offense under NYSC regulations. He referenced Section 13 of the NYSC Act and Section 4 of the revised NYSC Bye Laws (2011), which outline miscellaneous offenses and penalties but do not include criticism of the government or president as a punishable act. The Bye Laws, available for download on the NYSC website, list offenses such as forgery, kidnapping, fraud, and fighting, each carrying penalties like extensions of service or reports to the police, but none apply to free expression.
For instance, Section 4 of the Bye Laws stipulates penalties such as a 21-day service extension with half pay for failing to comply with NYSC rules, or reporting members involved in forgery or kidnapping to the police for prosecution. However, Effiong pointed out that the corps member’s actions do not fall under these categories. “There is nothing slightly partisan in her comments,” he wrote, adding that he has reviewed the videos and is in contact with her to ensure her rights are protected.
Effiong accused some individuals of defending “madness in the name of supporting a terrible regime,” expressing his agreement with the corps member’s view that President Tinubu’s leadership has been inadequate. He urged the public to refer to the revised NYSC Bye Laws and the NYSC Act, dismissing outdated editions cited by some defenders as irrelevant.
The lawyer’s intervention has reignited discussions about the NYSC’s role and the treatment of corps members. Established post-civil war to promote unity, the scheme’s objectives, as detailed in Section 1 of the NYSC Act, include encouraging Nigerian youths to contribute to national development and eliminating ignorance and prejudice. Yet, this incident raises questions about whether the organization is overstepping its mandate by targeting a corps member for exercising her constitutional rights.
Effiong has pledged to support the corps member legally if needed, signalling potential action against any unjust treatment. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are watching closely, with many calling for transparency and respect for the rights of young citizens serving their country.
