“The Minister of Information and Culture’s allegation that the number of COVID-19 positive cases in NYSC camps across the country is large has been said to be fake news, according to the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA.

HURIWA quoted Lai Mohammed as saying on Wednesday that the number of COVID-19 cases recorded at NYSC camps across the country was significantly more than reported.

After what it dubbed bogus statements by the information minister, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in a rapid reaction called for the suspension of camp activities if the government could not vaccinate all corps members, according to the association.

According to HURIWA, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Adenike Adeyemi, informed Nigerians that there were no positive corps participants in any of the agency’s 37 orientation camps across the country, but the media reported that Lai Mohammed claimed “there would be more cases” if more tests were conducted in orientation camps.

Responding to the minister’s comments, HURIWA criticized him for making false claims and warned the Federal Government to conform to competency and merit when allowing government officials to speak on certain specialized aspects, adding that the minister lacks the necessary qualifications to make official statements on COVID-19, despite having two qualified medical professionals in his cabinet.

HURIWA said, “We believe that the National Youth Service Corps Scheme has adopted strong proactive and preventive measures to keep the participants of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme safe from all infections due to the existence of functional clinics and test kits in all camps as made available by the hierarchy of the scheme.

“Is it possible that the NYSC that has organized a series of health-related services with an abundant number of young doctors and nurses in many communities benefitting hundreds of thousands of rural dwellers could let down their guards and allow COVID-19 pandemic to sweep through their camps? I don’t think so. The Minister of Information should stop spreading fake news please,” HURIWA added.

The association highlighted that the NYSC administration had reaffirmed its dedication to the wellbeing of corps members, particularly the provision of a favorable environment to enable them to realize their full potential for national development.

COVID-19 has been cited as a reason why NYSC camps should be closed, and HURIWA has asked the NMA to perform an evidence-based study on COVID-19 in NYSC camps before jumping to unscientific and speculative conclusions.