Doctors Raise Alarm As NYSC Reopens Camp

Medical doctors have faulted the plan by the National Youth Service Corps to open its orientation camps across the country and mobilise graduates for national service amid the ranging second wave of COVID-19.

This was as prominent virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, likened the move by the NYSC to an invitation to disaster.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed on Friday that corps members would be allowed on the NYSC approved camps nationwide from January 19, 2021.

But speaking yesterday, Tomori said the reopening of the NYSC camps at this time was not safe for the country.

He said, “Having people together from different locations in the same place without face masks, washing of hands and the rest is an invitation to disaster.

“The issue of mobilisation, just like reopening of schools, should not be encouraged. Anywhere we have a congregation of people should not be encouraged.  The virus is found almost all over the country, so if you are bringing people from different places, regions, and locations to camp in a place then it’s not a wise thing to do.”

Also, an Ogun State-based medical doctor, Dr Oladapo Ogunlaja said  that it would be difficult for the NYSC to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols among the corps members.

He said, “For now, I don’t think it is a right decision, especially with this raging COVID-19.

Ogunlaja, who is also the NMA chairman in Ogun State, said, “Are they going to be testing each person before they enter the camps? There are a lot of questions begging for answers. People are coming from different places and many people are not following COVID-19 protocols.

“How many people have you seen on the street using face masks? How many people do you see washing their hands regularly? How many people do you see using hand sanitisers?”

The NMA chairman equally expressed the fear over the planned reopening of schools by the government, saying there was a need to tread with caution.

He added, “Even the schools they want to open, I am so scared. Just about two or three days ago, we heard about LASUCOM hostel where three students tested positive; they have to close down the medical school, yet we are talking about the NYSC camps that would have thousands of young people.

“Why is the government doing this? Indeed, by now, what we should be talking about is a total lockdown.”