Parents, under the aegis of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, have called on state governors to relocate National Youth Service Corps orientation camps from insecurity-prone rural areas to safer urban centres.

The appeal followed the decision of the Kwara State Government to move the NYSC orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over rising insecurity in the North of the state.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, National President of the PTA, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, hailed the move as a step that prioritises the lives of corps members.

He said, “The Kwara State Government has done very well. It is a show of concern over our children by relocating the NYSC camp to the state capital. We commend the NYSC leadership for engaging the government of Kwara State to take this decision. It is laudable because it is aimed at protecting the lives of our children.

“Relocate the NYSC camps, especially those situated in rural areas perceived as insecure. The governors should respect the lives of corps members and protect them as much as they can.”

The PTA leader also called for increased security presence in rural areas to stem killings and kidnappings.

He urged the NYSC management to step up efforts to ensure the comfort of corps members in all camps across the country.

The PUNCH reported that the Kwara State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Onifade Joshua, said the government approved the deployment of security operatives to camps during the three-week exercise.

Senator awards N800m scholarships to Kano students

TUKUR MUNTARI

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has awarded full undergraduate scholarships to 1,000 students in Kano State to study various courses at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State.

The programme, unveiled at Bayero University Kano on Saturday, was designed to tackle educational financial challenges youths are facing and provide an opportunity for them to acquire quality education.

Represented at the event by Senator Abdurrahman Sumaila, who represents Kano South, Barau stressed that education remains his foremost priority.

Senator Barau said the initiative reflects his conviction that “a nation can only secure its future when its young people are educated and empowered.”

“This gesture is aimed at eradicating illiteracy and guaranteeing a brighter tomorrow for our country. We will continue to invest in the education of our youths because it is the surest way to national development.”

He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of what he described as a “golden opportunity,” reminding them that the scholarships are not merely financial assistance but a call to service and excellence.

Sumaila also supported the beneficiaries with N20,000 as transport fares back to their respective destinations.

The state Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, commended Senator Barau’s foresight, and described the scheme as “an exemplary act of public service.”

The beneficiaries were drawn from the three geopolitical zones of Kano State and are expected to attend the Federal University Dutsinma’s Study Centre in Gaya, Kano State. (PUNCH)