Amidst the controversy trailing the position of Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, over dual roles as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a federal minister, a source in the NYSC headquarters has shed light on the matter.
OsunDailyNG reports that the source, who spoke anonymously to Vanguard, said no specific provisions prohibit a serving corps member from assuming a ministerial or commissioner position.
However, engaging in partisan politics or affiliating with a political party during the service year was strictly forbidden.
According to the source, NYSC aimed to maintain neutrality and non-partisanship during the programme.
The source said, “Based on the NYSC Act and its accompanying bye-laws governing the operations and regulations of the scheme, there are no specific provisions that prohibit a serving corps member from being appointed as a minister or commissioner.
“However, it is important to note that the appointment of ministers or commissioners is typically a political process that involves considerations such as political affiliations.
“According to the NYSC bye-laws, corps members are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics or joining any political party during the service year.
“The aim of this restriction is to maintain the neutrality and non-partisanship of the NYSC programme.
“Corps members are expected to focus on their primary assignments, which involve community development, education, healthcare, and other areas of national service.”
