NYSC fixes date for Batch A Stream 2 Orientation exercise

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has tentatively fixed July 26 for the commencement of orientation for prospective Stream 2, Batch A corp members nationwide.

The date is however subject to availability of funds, our source said.

The orientation programme for the first stream of Batch A corps members held between May 23 and June 12. Their Stream 2 counterparts were expected to be mobilised for camping shortly afterwards.

But over a month later, they have not received any information to that effect, leaving many of them anxious and angry.

Our source said the delay is due to lack of funds.

“We are expecting 72,000 corps members in Stream 2,” our source said. “We don’t want to mobilise them for orientation only to be short of money midway. We want to make sure we have enough resources.”

The official said the agency approached the Federal Government for urgent release of funds.

“We learnt Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has approved a special intervention for us as we requested,” the source said. “The minister was out of town on Monday. We expect that as soon as he arrives, the money issue would be concluded.

“It takes three days for transferred funds to hit NYSC accounts. If that happens before Friday, we will go ahead with our plan to open camping on July 26. But if there is a delay, we will move the programme forward a bit.

“But I can tell you that we are ready for the programme.”

When contacted, Bose Aderibigbe, the spokesperson for the NYSC, declined comment on the orientation date, saying her agency would make an announcement when it is ripe to do so.

“The date will be communicated when we are ready, ” she said. “Tell the prospective corps members to be patience. We are working hard for a hitch-free orientation for them. Our staff are ready.”