The NYSC coordinator in Kwara, Francisca Olaleye,  on Thursday said 28 corps members who absconded from the programme would repeat the service year.

The coordinator disclosed this in Ilorin at the passing out ceremony of 2021 Batch A stream II corps members.

“I wish to also add that a very few of them, who violated some sections of the NYSC by-laws, have equally been earmarked for disciplinary actions. Twenty-eight corps members, who absconded from the NYSCprogramme, shall repeat the service year, whenever they made themselves available,” said Mrs Olaleye. “Also, 22 corps members would have their service year extended for other punishable offences.”

She added, “This disciplinary action will serve as a deterrent to other Corps members, who may want to violate any section of the NYSC by-laws.”

She enjoined the corps members to continue being responsible ambassadors of the scheme after the national service.

Mrs Olaleye commended the outgoing corps members for their achievements, most especially the outgoing medical team.

“I am proud of your achievements, as part of today’s ceremony, one outstanding Corps member, among the Batch shall be conferred with the prestigious NYSC State Honours Award,” she stated.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the NYSC scheme as the most time-tested path for contemporary Nigerian graduates.

The governor was represented by the youth ministry permanent secretary Funke Banire.

He hailed the great and clear-sightedness as well as the clear vision of the founding fathers of the scheme.

“I salute the foresight of the forefathers of this noble scheme. I wish to assert that the National Youth Service Scheme remains the most enduring legacy bestowed upon the present generation of Nigerian youths,” the governor said.

Mr AbdulRazaq also appreciated the corps members, while lauding their contribution to the development of the state during their national service.

“You have succeeded in writing your names boldly in gold in the hearts of our people. One cannot but recount your contributions to the overall socio-economic development of our state, through the various Community Development Service projects that were initiated and executed during this out-going service year,” the governor added.

(NAN)