NYSC orientation camps may reopen in next phase of eased lockdown, says PTF

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps may be reopened in the next phase of the eased lockdown.

This was disclosed by Sani Aliyu, national coordinator of the PTF, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

On March 18, the management of NYSC had temporarily suspended the orientation course for 2020 Batch A Stream One in order to curtail the spread of coronavirus among corps members.

Similarly, on March 20, NYSC had postponed biometric clearance and community development service (CDS) for all its corps members.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, in June, had also advised that activities at the orientation camps be suspended for at least 24 months.

Speaking on the consideration for reopening, Aliyu said the NYSC has been advised to begin preparations for possible resumption at camps across the country.

“We have advised NYSC to start planning ahead of resumption in future phases, but not within this current phase of the response,” he said.

“We will work closely with them to design policies that may allow this to happen in the future.”

Meanwhile, the second phase of the eased lockdown has been extended for another four weeks.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as of August 6, 2020, out of the 44,890 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 32,165 persons have been discharged, while 927 deaths have been recorded.