- NYSC DG Olakunle Nafiu confirms corps members are covered by comprehensive life and health insurance
- The insurance coverage begins immediately after call-up letters are issued
- Olakunle revealed that NYSC has funded major medical interventions, including N28m and N33m support cases
- The DG warned the media against spreading unverified reports about the scheme
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated that all corps members are protected under a comprehensive insurance scheme throughout their one-year national service.
Nafiu made this known on Wednesday, March 18, in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace.
He explained that the welfare package provided by the Federal Government covers both life insurance and medical care for serving corps members.
According to him, the government has instituted several measures to ensure corps members have a safe and fulfilling service year.
He added that the scheme also steps in to handle critical cases not fully covered by health insurance.
The NYSC DG referenced notable interventions, including the payment of N28 million to save the life of a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after she sustained a spinal cord injury in a road accident.
He also cited another case where N33 million was spent on prosthetic arms for a corps member injured in a crash while travelling to his place of primary assignment.
“Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) caters for Corps Members whenever they fall ill,” he said.
“From the moment call-up letters are issued, before they even begin their journey from their parents’ homes, they are already covered by insurance,” he added.
Nafiu warned against the circulation of unverified reports about the scheme, urging journalists to verify information with the NYSC before publication.
He further noted that the NYSC posting policy is structured to address national needs, ensuring that all states benefit from corps members’ contributions, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
The DG also highlighted the role of corps members in national assignments, including elections, sensitisation campaigns, and census exercises, noting that their contributions have earned both local and international recognition.
Reassuring stakeholders, Nafiu stated that corps members would not be deployed to unsafe areas. He emphasised that the NYSC remains apolitical and non-religious in its operations, reinforcing its mandate of fostering national unity.
He commended Ndace for his leadership at VON and praised the media for its continued support of the scheme.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment, describing his leadership approach as progressive.
“General Nafiu has demonstrated a modern leadership style. I commend the NYSC management, as no leader succeeds without the support of their team,” he said.
“At the Voice of Nigeria, our mandate is to project Nigeria’s image, perspectives, and values to the global community. We currently broadcast in eight Nigerian languages,” he added.
Ndace also reaffirmed VON’s readiness to collaborate with the NYSC on youth-focused content and programming, pledging to showcase the activities and achievements of corps members to a global audience.