Assistant Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services Branch of NYSC Lagos State, and Head, Camp Clinic of the ongoing Orientation Course exercise in Iyana-Ipaja has told corps members in a Corps Welfare and Health Services lecture this morning that the scheme prioritizes corps members welfare that is why provisions of some premiums are made for the corps members from the orientation course throughout the service year.
Mrs Awolola emphasized that the NYSC prioritizes members’ health and happiness through substantial premiums. Welfare, encompassing health, safety, and comfortability, is extended to all corps members from orientation camp to their service year.
She said detailed welfare offerings including kits items, lodgings, meals during camp, and beneficial provisions beyond camp like free posting to primary assignments, accommodation, and various leave types are the typical examples of these welfare packages.
Speaking on the types of leave statutorily available to corps members, Mrs Awolola elaborated on leave options which are; maternity, convocation, examination, wedding, pilgrimage, and sick leave. She advised on the application process for this leaves, stating that requests must be submitted in advance to the State Coordinator through the Local Government Inspector, through the Zonal Inspector ahead of time. On traveling outside Nigeria, she hinted that leave permission must be granted by the Director-General, and request must have been made a month before the departure of the corps member.
Shifting the spotlight to health services, she underlined the comprehensive National Health Insurance Authority coverage for corps members. According to her, NHIA-registered hospitals are accessible in every Local Government Area of Lagos State, ensuring free medical care for all.
In closing, she urged the corps members to always endeavour to provide accurate Next of Kin information, advocating for parental or guardian contacts over distant relations as they come useful during emergency.
