NYSC Refutes Claims of Discrimination Against SLT Graduates in Gombe

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has firmly denied allegations that it refused to register graduates of Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) at its orientation camp in Gombe State.

Reports had circulated that polytechnic graduates who studied SLT were allegedly denied access to the camp for failing to present professional certificates from the National Institute for Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT).

Responding to these accusations, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, described the reports as “untrue and baseless”.

She clarified that all SLT graduates who reported at the camp were registered, regardless of whether they possessed the professional licence from NISLT.

“No SLT graduate was denied registration; all graduates who showed up in Gombe were registered and are already undergoing their orientation course,” Nwachuku stated. “In Gombe camp, I am not aware of any SLT graduate not registered.

We registered everyone with or without a licence.”

Mrs Nwachuku further explained that the directive to register all graduates, irrespective of their professional certification status, came from the NYSC headquarters.

She emphasised that the aim of the NYSC is to include all eligible graduates in the scheme, providing them with the opportunity to serve their nation.

The confusion surrounding the registration of SLT graduates stems from the broader requirements set by professional bodies for various fields of study.

Typically, graduates from specific professional disciplines, such as medicine, law, and engineering, are required to obtain licences from their respective regulatory bodies before they are fully recognised as professionals.

However, the NYSC has made it clear that, for the purpose of national service, possession of such licences is not mandatory for initial registration at orientation camps.

Mrs Nwachuku reiterated, “I am aware that some of them came without a licence, but we registered them because the headquarters gave the directive to register all, with or without licence. Nobody was denied registration as far as Gombe camp is concerned.”

This statement aligns with the NYSC’s broader policy of inclusivity and its mission to ensure that no eligible graduate is left out of the national service programme due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The NYSC’s role is to foster national unity and integration, and part of this mission involves accommodating graduates from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, even when there are discrepancies in licensing or certification.

The NYSC was established in 1973 with the primary aim of promoting national unity and cohesion among Nigerian youth.

By bringing together graduates from various parts of the country, the scheme seeks to bridge ethnic and regional divides, fostering a sense of shared purpose and national identity.

Orientation camps are a critical component of the NYSC programme.

They serve as the first point of contact for corps members and are designed to instil discipline, teamwork, and a sense of national service.

During the three-week orientation period, corps members participate in various activities, including military drills, skills acquisition programmes, and lectures on national integration and public service.

The allegations of registration refusal had the potential to undermine the integrity of the NYSC, suggesting a discriminatory practice that goes against its core values.

However, the swift response by the Gombe State Coordinator underscores the NYSC’s commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in its operations.

In light of the false reports, Mrs Nwachuku urged the public and the media to ensure accuracy in their reporting, especially on matters that affect the image of institutions like the NYSC.

She emphasised that misinformation can create unnecessary panic and erode the trust that graduates and their families place in the NYSC.

“It is important for the media to verify facts before publishing.

False information can cause undue distress to our prospective corps members and their families,” she cautioned.

As the NYSC continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of Nigerian society, its dedication to inclusivity remains unwavering.

The registration of SLT graduates in Gombe, regardless of their professional certification status, is a testament to the NYSC’s commitment to ensuring that every qualified graduate has the opportunity to participate in this national service.

The NYSC remains a cornerstone of national development, nurturing the youth to contribute positively to the country’s growth.

By fostering unity and understanding, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigeria, one corps member at a time.