The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has disclosed that all corps members are covered by a comprehensive insurance package, including life and health insurance, throughout their service year.
He made this known in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, where he emphasised that the welfare and safety of corps members remain a top priority for the Scheme and the Federal Government.
According to Nafiu, the insurance coverage takes effect even before corps members begin their journey to the orientation camp, noting that protection starts immediately after call-up letters are issued.
“Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance. The National Health Insurance Authority caters for Corps Members whenever they fall ill,” he said.
“From the moment call-up letters are issued—before they even begin their journey from their parents’ homes—they are already covered by insurance,” he added.
He explained that the insurance package is designed to ensure that corps members have access to medical care whenever needed, while also providing financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances during the service year.
Beyond the standard coverage, the NYSC boss disclosed that the Scheme has consistently gone further to support corps members in critical situations, especially where specific medical conditions are not fully covered by health insurance.
He cited notable interventions by the Scheme, including a case where NYSC spent ₦28 million to save the life of a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after she sustained spinal cord injuries in a road accident.
Nafiu also referenced another instance where ₦33 million was used to procure prosthetic arms for a corps member who was involved in a road traffic accident while travelling to his place of primary assignment after leaving the orientation camp.
These interventions, he noted, reflect the Scheme’s commitment to prioritising the lives and wellbeing of corps members beyond routine provisions.
The Director-General further assured that adequate measures have been put in place by the Federal Government to guarantee a safe and memorable service year for all participants in the Scheme.
He stressed that corps members would not be deployed to unsafe areas, reiterating NYSC’s responsibility to protect those serving the nation.
In addition, Nafiu addressed concerns surrounding misinformation about the Scheme, cautioning against the spread of unverified reports and urging media practitioners to confirm facts directly with NYSC before publication.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of corps members in national development, noting that their deployment across states is carefully structured to meet pressing needs, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and education.
According to him, corps members have continued to play vital roles in national assignments, including elections, sensitisation campaigns, and population census exercises, earning recognition both within and outside the country.
The visit also featured commendations from the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, who praised Nafiu’s leadership and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to projecting the activities of NYSC to a global audience.
Ndace stated that VON remains focused on showcasing positive narratives about Nigeria through collaboration with institutions like NYSC, especially in promoting youth-driven initiatives and national development efforts.
