The Director of Press and Public Relations of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Eddy Megwa, has raised concerns over a breach of the NYSC Act by the current Minister of Arts and Culture, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa. Megwa confirmed in a phone interview that Mrs. Musawa, who is in the midst of her one-year youth service, has been occupying the ministerial position for the past eight months in apparent violation of the law.
According to Megwa, the NYSC Act strictly forbids any corps member from assuming a government appointment until completing the one-year service. Mrs. Musawa’s case is particularly unique as she was originally mobilized for the youth service in 2001 to Ebonyi State, with her orientation program taking place there. However, she later relocated to Kaduna State to continue her service, but reportedly absconded and did not complete the program.
Megwa emphasized that the NYSC scheme would investigate the matter and take appropriate action as required by the circumstances.
Prominent legal experts have also weighed in on the issue, expressing their concerns about the violation of the NYSC Act. Abeny Mohammed (SAN) highlighted that the current situation constitutes a breach of the law, pointing out that the NYSC Act mandates individuals to either complete the service and obtain a certificate or receive an exemption before seeking or accepting employment. Mohammed criticized the inconsistency in policy implementation and the apparent disregard for established laws.
Similarly, Femi Falana (SAN) echoed Mohammed’s sentiments, categorizing the situation as a violation of the law. Falana released a statement titled “A Youth Corps Member is not Competent to be a Minister in Nigeria,” in which he cited Section 2 of the NYSC Act. He pointed out that the Act stipulates compulsory national youth service for citizens under 30 who have graduated from tertiary institutions, while those above the age of 30 are ineligible to participate.
The situation involving Minister Musawa’s simultaneous role as a serving corper and a government minister highlights the concerns surrounding the enforcement of laws and the need for consistent policy adherence. As legal experts and officials raise their voices against such discrepancies, the issue is likely to prompt further discussions on legal compliance and governance within Nigeria.
