By FOLASADE AKPAN

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has disowned any levy reportedly being collected by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in connection with mobilisation for national service.

The NYSC made the clarification in a statement signed by its Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs Caroline Embu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement followed a viral publication titled, “NANS Moves to Collect N200 Levy from Nigerian Students, Links Dues to NYSC Mobilisation.”

Embu said the NYSC had neither discussed nor agreed to any levy with NANS in connection with the mobilisation of graduates for national service.

“The NYSC wishes to state unequivocally that it has not, at any time, discussed, agreed to, or entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with NANS regarding the collection of any levy from students,” she said.

She explained that the NYSC operated under the authority of the Federal Government and implemented only policies, guidelines and procedures approved by relevant government authorities.

According to her, the mobilisation process was conducted through established official channels involving NYSC management and Heads of Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs).

She said the institutions were responsible for providing required information on their graduates to facilitate the mobilisation process for national service.

“The mobilisation process is neither linked to nor contingent upon the activities of any student association or organisation,” Embu said.

She advised students and prospective corps members to disregard any information suggesting that payment of a levy to NANS or any other association was required for NYSC mobilisation.

Embu reaffirmed the NYSC management’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and efficient mobilisation process in line with extant government policies and guidelines. (NAN)