The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned serving Corps members across the country to stop posting negative or misleading content on social media, saying such behaviour can attract sanctions from the Scheme. The warning was issued by the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during his visit to the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Delta State.
Speaking to the Corps members, Brigadier General Nafiu said the NYSC has observed a rising trend of young people using social media to spread misleading stories or videos about the Scheme, their host communities, and even national institutions. He stated that while social media is a powerful tool for communication, it must be used responsibly.
According to him, “Negative social media posts by any Corps member will attract sanctions.” He encouraged the Corps members to instead use their online platforms to promote the positive work they are doing during their service year, and to highlight the good image of both the NYSC and Nigeria.
The DG explained that the NYSC, since its establishment in 1973, has played a major role in national unity by bringing young Nigerians from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds together. He said the Scheme cannot achieve its goals when Corps members create false impressions about their activities and experiences. He urged the Corps members to be ambassadors of the country and protect the image of the institution they represent.
Brigadier General Nafiu also used the visit to warn Corps members against embarking on unauthorized journeys. He said that travelling without proper approval has led to accidents involving Corps members in the past. According to him, simple obedience to camp rules and NYSC guidelines can help prevent avoidable problems.
He reminded them that activities such as biometric clearance, parade rehearsals, lectures, and Community Development Service (CDS) are mandatory parts of the programme designed to build discipline, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
“Follow simple instructions, be obedient, go for your biometrics and your Community Development Service,” he said. “Learn and respect the cultural values of your host communities and do not misrepresent us at your place of primary assignment.”
The DG explained that every Corps member is expected to contribute positively to their host community, whether through teaching, health outreach, environmental sanitation, or other community-based projects. He said that many past Corps members had changed lives in rural communities through small but meaningful projects, and urged the new batch to uphold that tradition.
Nafiu highlighted that Corps members must respect the traditions and customs of the communities where they will serve. He reminded them that they are guests in these communities and must behave responsibly.
Host community relationships have long been an important part of the NYSC programme. Many communities provide accommodation, security, and support for Corps members, and the Scheme expects every participant to reciprocate that goodwill. The DG said that bad behaviour, careless comments, or insensitive social media posts can damage these relationships.
He further advised the Corps members to seek guidance from their Local Government Inspectors and Zonal Inspectors whenever they face challenges, instead of turning to social media to express frustration. He said the NYSC has systems in place to address complaints, but those channels must be followed properly.
Earlier, the Delta State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. John Kwaghe, briefed the Director General on the situation in the camp. He reported that a total of 2,101 Corps members were deployed to the state for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ orientation course. Out of these, 944 are male and 1,157 are female.
Kwaghe said the camp activities have been running smoothly since the Corps members arrived. He praised them for their high level of discipline and cooperation, noting that officials from the NYSC, military, police, and other partner agencies have been fully involved in the training process.
He added that the weather had been favourable and that no major health or security issues had been recorded since the orientation programme began. The Coordinator also assured the DG that the camp clinic and other facilities were functioning well.
In recent years, the NYSC has become more concerned about how Corps members use social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Videos showing Corps members disrespecting the uniform, spreading false information about allowances, or mocking their host communities have occasionally gone viral.
Such incidents often led to misunderstandings, public criticism, and tension between the Scheme and the public. In some cases, individuals who uploaded misleading videos later admitted that they were joking or acting, but the damage had already been done.
The NYSC has repeatedly stated that while it supports freedom of expression, Corps members must understand that they are government representatives during their service year. The Scheme expects a minimum level of discipline, patriotism, and respect for the institutions they serve.
Brigadier General Nafiu concluded his address by encouraging the Corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which trains young people in various vocational skills. He said that many former Corps members had created small businesses from skills learned during SAED, especially in fashion, agriculture, ICT, and creative industries.
He urged them to focus on personal growth, teamwork, and community service rather than chasing online trends that offer no real benefit.
