The Nigerian Bar Association-Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) delegation team on January 5th met with the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed and top management staff.

The meeting centered on discussing the issues surrounding Minister Hannatu Musawa and media personality Kenny Ogungbe’s participation in the mandatory NYSC program. Musawa resigned as Minister to complete her service year after absconding in 2001. Ogungbe, who graduated before age 30, commenced service in 2022 at age 50.

Brig. Gen. Ahmed clarified that the NYSC Act provides for Nigerians who graduate before 30 to undertake the service anytime, irrespective of age. He cited several instances of individuals above 30 currently observing the program. On Musawa’s case, he stated she relinquished her ministerial role for the duration of her service year.

The the NBA-SPIDEL team was led by Chinedu Obienu, the Treasurer acknowledged the DG’s clarification. Obienu conveyed the apologies of the NBA-SPIDEL Chairman for his absence. He assured Brig. Gen. Ahmed that the body would communicate its position on the issues raised.

The constructive engagement between both parties reiterated NBA-SPIDEL’s commitment to upholding rule of law in public institutions while allowing the NYSC to clarify concerns raised.

In this article