Abortion controversy: Do NYSC officials protect or exploit corps members?

The National Youth Service Corps, established on May 22, 1973, has been at the center of a recent controversy following the death of a corps member who allegedly underwent a failed abortion linked to an NYSC official in Ogun State.

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The deceased corps member, whose name has not been disclosed, was reportedly in a romantic relationship with the NYSC official, also unnamed, which led to the pregnancy and subsequent abortion that resulted in her death.

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A key question has emerged from this development: should NYSC officials be allowed to engage in romantic relationships with corps members under their supervision, given that university and polytechnic graduates participating in the scheme are all adults, with none being less than 18 years old at the time of call-up.

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According to Mrs Joy Kalejaye, a parent, it is unethical for NYSC officials to be romantically involved with corps members under their care, as she views such officials as "sex predators" who take advantage of the inexperience and innocence of some female corps members.

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Kalejaye emphasized that having a university degree does not necessarily imply maturity or experience, citing cases where some graduates may have been sheltered in controlled environments or are barely out of their teenage years, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

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Even if the relationship were consensual, Kalejaye argued that an NYSC official engaging in such a relationship with a corps member would be unethical, as it would create undue advantages and preferences for the corps member, highlighting a Yoruba proverb that "a horse does not eat the grasses beneath it" to illustrate the inappropriateness of such relationships.

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Lawyer Mr Babatunde Jimoh noted that NYSC officials owe corps members a duty of care but are not their legal guardians, and an official could face administrative liability for gross misconduct, civil liability if the corps member's family decides to sue, or criminal liability if the abortion was coerced.

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Jimoh also stressed the need to interrogate the doctor who performed the abortion and acknowledged the devastating impact on parents, who expect institutions to take responsibility for their children's well-being, even if the corps members are legally adults.

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The NYSC has reacted to the incident, with Director of Information and Public Relations Caroline Embu stating that the scheme is cooperating with security agencies and reaffirming its commitment to discipline and accountability.

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The NYSC expressed sadness over the loss of the corps member and confirmed that the matter is being investigated, with the staff member in question taken into custody, and urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course.

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The scheme reiterated that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a priority and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, committing to ensuring that the truth is established and justice is served.