THE Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned corps members against misuse of the social media to spread wrong information, especially as the country approaches next year’s general elections.
Nafiu, who sounded the caution while addressing the 2026 Batch ‘B,’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina State on Wednesday, August 19, further warned them against spreading misinformation, sharing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content or engaging in partisan political activities ahead of the elections.
He reminded them that corps members were not permitted to use their social media handles to campaign for political parties or political interests while identifying themselves as corps members.
The NYSC boss also warned against blindly sharing information on social media, urging them to remain politically neutral, responsible and disciplined throughout the service year.
He said as graduates, corps members have a responsibility to help reset society by ensuring that false or manipulated information does not gain wider circulation through their platforms.
He charged them not to believe everything they see on social media, noting: “Before you share, think through it. Check the picture and ask when it was first taken and whether there has been any manipulation.”
Nafiu cited the circulation of old videos and photographs falsely presented as recent incidents involving the NYSC, as examples of how misinformation could mislead the public, saying corps members should be particularly careful about artificial intelligence-generated and digitally manipulated content, as technology had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated materials.
He reminded them of the restrictions governing their participation in partisan political activities during national service, saying: “As corps members, you are not permitted to campaign for any political party or candidate.
“If your social media activities are traced to political promotion while wearing the NYSC identity, appropriate action will be taken.”
He urged them to develop critical thinking skills and verify information before reposting, sharing or commenting on content circulated on social media platforms.
Nafiu explained that they are likely to be deployed as ad-hoc staff by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the elections, warning that such deployment should be seen as an opportunity to contribute to the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.
Earlier, the State NYSC Coordinator, Evans Okwor, said the orientation exercise commenced successfully on August 5 with the arrival of camp officials, adding that a total of 1,333 corps members, comprising 759 males and 574 females, were registered, while 363 camp officials, made up of 173 NYSC staff and 190 personnel from collaborating agencies are supporting the exercise.
The orientation course is scheduled to end on August 25.
