The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has firmly denied reports suggesting that prospective corps members were instructed to visit state secretariats to obtain their call-up numbers, urging individuals to rely solely on official communication channels for updates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC, labeled the reports as false and emphasized the importance of adhering to established processes.
“All communication between the Prospective Corps Members and NYSC are done through their individual dashboards and via NYSC officially approved social media platforms,” she said.
Calm and Vigilance Advised
The announcement comes amidst rising concerns among prospective corps members who are eagerly awaiting their call-up numbers. The NYSC management urged them to remain calm, avoid unnecessary panic, and monitor official updates.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all Prospective Corps Members that are yet to receive their Call-Up-Numbers are enjoined to exercise patience, keep checking their dashboards and also visit the NYSC Social Media Platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, Thread), for updates,” Embu clarified.
The Rise of Misinformation
This clarification highlights an ongoing challenge with misinformation, particularly in Nigeria’s digital age, where false news often spreads rapidly through social media and informal networks. In this instance, the NYSC acted swiftly to discredit the claims and maintain trust among prospective corps members.
Background checks reveal that similar rumors have disrupted NYSC operations in the past, with individuals misled into taking unnecessary steps, causing frustration and confusion. Observers believe this recent case underscores the need for prospective corps members to prioritize official communication channels.
A Tradition of Structured Communication
The NYSC, established in 1973, has long been a cornerstone of national unity and youth engagement in Nigeria. Over the years, it has streamlined its processes to enhance transparency and reduce inefficiencies. The introduction of online dashboards and active social media platforms forms part of a broader strategy to improve communication and accessibility for participants across the nation.
“This is not the first time we’ve had to address issues like this,” an NYSC official who spoke on condition of anonymity said. “We consistently advise prospective corps members to disregard unofficial directives. Our platforms are designed to provide accurate and timely updates.”
NYSC’s Commitment to Accountability
The NYSC assured Nigerians of its commitment to accountability and efficiency, reiterating that official updates would only be shared through its verified platforms. Corps members were encouraged to report any suspicious activity or misleading information.
The public relations directorate emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for misinformation, stating that deliberate attempts to mislead prospective corps members would be addressed appropriately.
A Call to Action
As the NYSC gears up for another deployment cycle, prospective corps members are reminded to take personal responsibility for verifying information. Experts have often highlighted the role of digital literacy in combating fake news, urging young Nigerians to critically evaluate sources before acting.
A social commentator, Amina Yusuf, commended the NYSC’s quick response but stressed the need for broader public awareness campaigns. “This incident is a lesson for us all. It shows why institutions must invest in proactive communication and why citizens must be cautious,” Yusuf noted.
Looking Ahead
The NYSC’s clarification is a timely reminder of the risks posed by misinformation in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. By reinforcing its commitment to transparency and urging corps members to remain vigilant, the NYSC aims to maintain trust in its processes and ensure a smooth transition for the incoming batch.
