A serving corps member in Kaduna State, Oyaje Daniel, has issued a formal public apology after a controversial comment he made online sparked outrage and led to widespread calls for disciplinary action from the National Youth Service Corps. The incident has drawn significant attention from parents, educators, civic groups and online users who raised concerns about student safety, digital responsibility and the professional conduct expected from educators and corps members under the NYSC scheme.
In his signed press statement, Daniel identified himself as “I, Oyaje Daniel, with the state code KD/25A/0494 currently serving in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna state.” He explained that the statement he made online two weeks earlier was a reckless attempt at a joke that was never meant to be taken seriously. However, screenshots of the comment had already been recorded and circulated widely before he deleted it. Daniel admitted that his words created a harmful impression that contradicted his values, his teaching experience and his advocacy for the protection of young girls.
He stated, “I made this careless and unguided comment two (2) weeks ago, without thinking it through. It was intended to be a joke but that was cruel of me, which I later deleted but was already recorded. I acted without thinking through and I wish I could undo and retrace my statement.” He went further to acknowledge that his actions portrayed him negatively, saying, “I admit that I have portrayed myself to be an evil person and that nothing I say would convince you. I have betrayed the trust, confidence, and faith of those who have regards for me.”
The controversy began after Daniel was heard saying, “Omoh any female students wey no coordinate themselves I go knack dem big kala. How you go Dey SS3 but you carry nyash and b**obs wey pass 400L uni lady??” The statement quickly circulated online, triggering reactions and concerns about harassment, student protection, consent, youth safety and teacher professionalism. The content led many to question whether a corps member with such comments should be allowed to interact with students.
One of the loudest responses came from an online user, Chinenye Nweke, who publicly urged the NYSC to take immediate action. She wrote, “Good day National Youth Service Corps, are you aware that a corp member Oyaje Daniel, currently serving as the Secretary-General of the Charity CDS group in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State is targeting the students under his care sexually? Is the Nysc aware that it’s harbouring sexual predators and rapists under its umbrella?” Her statement intensified public pressure and raised discussions surrounding gender safety, abuse prevention and accountability within educational environments.
In his apology, Daniel emphasized that he has always advocated against harassment and abuse, particularly involving young girls. He said, “I will emphasize again that I’m not that kind of a person, I was just carelessly joking. I have used my voice and platform as advocacy against Girl child harassment and abuse. Our young girls are to be protected, guided, not exploited.” He added that in his teaching career since 2014, he had never been accused of any form of misconduct involving female students.
Daniel went on to issue apologies to several groups. He apologized to NYSC Nigeria, Kaduna State Government, Igabi Local Government and all women who felt insulted by his comment. He also apologized to his family, his church, the body of Christ, and to Nigeria for what he described as a failure to represent good values. “My sincere apology to my past and present students whom I have disappointed through this behavior. I was supposed to be good role model in character and in words,” he added.
He also addressed his Primary Place of Assignment, saying, “To my PPA Judeen International School, Annex Section Mando Kaduna whom I’ve failed through this careless statement.” He stressed that he is ready to cooperate with any investigations, stating, “I am ready and willing to cooperate with all relevant authorities with any necessary information regarding this Issue In order to clear my name and my Integrity.” He included his contact number in the statement, describing it as part of his transparency.
Daniel concluded his statement with, “Once again my sincere apology to those whom I have failed but I believe at the end the Truth shall triumph,” and signed it as E_Signed OYAJE DANIEL, 09039059085.
