NYSC BYE-LAWS FOR PERIOD OF PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT

I had the rare privilege of having a platoon officer who was also a member of the disciplinary committee. My platoon officer was very keen about the bye-laws, hammering on it time and again. Unlike most other platoons in the camp, my platoon officer took out his time severally to explain these laws to us. I think we were favoured a lot for this because it helped us to know my boundaries and as well as to know my rights and to demand it when needed.

Some corp members might not want to give a time of the day to these laws or might not be ready or chanced to read these laws. Although some local government inspectors are not so keen on these laws but in certain areas especially in the capital city where there is the secretariat they are usually serious about these laws. Ignorance of these laws could lead you to more pains than you would love to bear.

During your primary assignment, there are certain bye-laws by the NYSC that every corp member is expected to abide by. What are these laws, and what are their interpretations?

LIST OF BYE-LAWS AT PPA

Law: Do not refuse posting to primary assignment.

Interpretation: every corp member is expected to accept his place of primary assignment and resume work immediately. If he has any complaints he can always explain that to his LGI. If his LGI decides to change it fine, but if not he has to willingly accept the posting.

Punishment: Shall forfeit the allowance for the number of months out of work and also serve extension double the number of months. (Meaning you not receive ‘allowed and you would not pass out when your mates are passing out)

Law: do not be late to report at duty station

Interpretation: corp members fresh from camp usually travel home before returning to resume work. It is vital that they return early to their duty post.

Punishment: shall be liable to extension of service for the period not less than thirty days with half pay.

Law: do not fail to report to duty punctually

Interpretation: as much this attitude pisses off the head in your PPA he can always report you to LGI who might take the matter serious.

Punishment: shall be queried by his employer and the report sent to the state coordinator for disciplinary action.

Law: do not induce rejection of posting

Interpretation: some corpers who claim to be smart go the length of begging their employer to reject them. This might get to the ears of your LGI and might make things awry for you than you expect.

Punishment: shall be liable on conviction of extension of service for thirty days on half-pay.

Law: do not fail to carry out duties diligently.

Interpretation: no employer would fold his hands and watch you do nothing at work. After correcting you and you do not comply he might decide to report you.

Punishment: shall be queried by his employer and the report sent to the state coordinator for disciplinary action.

Law: do not leave your duty station or absent yourself from any official activity without the written consent of the state coordinator

Interpretation: you might be surprised at how just one day of missing work could lead you to trouble, especially if the LGI it the type that goes around to inspect PPA’s.

Punishment: shall be tried by the corps disciplinary committee and if found guilty shall be liable to extension of service with half pay double the period of absence.

Law: do not travel outside the state without the written permission of the state coordinator

Interpretation: this is quite a very important directive. At least inform the LGI before you leave the state and leave in a written formal note in your file.

Punishment: shall be tried by the corps disciplinary committee and if found guilty shall be liable to extension of service with half pay double the period of absence.

Law: do not be rude to constituted authority

Interpretation: your CLO, your LGI and other higher authority all have the power to do and undo so try as much possible to be respectful of them.

Punishment: shall be liable to extension of service for the period not less than thirty days with half pay.

Law: do not engage in immoral practice especially with students.

Interpretation: there seems to be a clause on that law because I almost thought it means not having a girlfriend or boyfriend. The thing is that if you are caught or you impregnate somebody then you might be in a bigger soup.

Punishment: shall be liable to extension of service for the period not less than thirty days with half pay.

Law: do not disclose official information

Interpretation: as a corp member you need to discreet in the way you speak about critical information to the public.

Punishment: shall be liable to extension of service for the period not less than thirty days with half pay.

Law: do not travel outside Nigeria without the written permission of the Director-General

Interpretation: as a corp member, you are expected to remain in the country throughout the duration of your service, but in the event that you need to travel outside the country you need to seek permission from the DG of NYSC through writing.

Punishment: shall be liable to extension of service without pay double the period of absence

Law: Do not take legal action against a fellow Corps Member, an official of the scheme or employer without first informing the Director-General for an amicable settlement of the matter and also complying with S.20 of the NYSC Act.

Punishment:  If any member refuses, fails or neglects to comply with this rule, his Certificate of National Service shall be withheld till the determination of the case in Court

Law: Do not engage in private practice

Punishment: Any member who engages in private practice shall be tried by the Corps Disciplinary Committee and, if found guilty, be liable on conviction to an extension of service for a period not less than twenty-one (21) days without pay.

That’s enough for a day. I can’t go on now, I’ll continue some other time. You might also love to read one of our past articles on NYSC laws I just hope this would be of benefit to you and properly guide you to be cautious on how you move. Thank you for spending the time with www.awajis.com/nysc