The National Youth Service Corps in Gombe State has ordered two corps members to repeat their service year, while another two will serve an additional four months for various infractions related to their conduct during national service.

State Coordinator of the scheme, Chinwe Nwachuku, announced the sanctions during the passing-out ceremony for the 2025 Batch A Stream II corps members at the Gombe Local Government Secretariat.

Nwachuku explained that the affected corps members were penalised in line with NYSC regulations, which prescribe repeat service or extension for those who breach the scheme’s rules or fail to meet minimum participation requirements.

Out of the 901 corps members who completed their service in the state, 503 were male and 398 female. The coordinator praised the majority for what she described as disciplined conduct and active involvement in community development projects across Gombe’s local government areas.

She noted that many of the outgoing corps members had implemented projects in education, health, environmental sanitation and youth empowerment, often in partnership with host communities and local authorities.

Nwachuku urged the graduates to build on the skills they acquired under the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, stressing that the training was designed to reduce unemployment and encourage self-reliance.

She advised them to avoid risky travel, particularly night journeys, and warned against any behaviour that could tarnish the image of the NYSC or undermine the values they were expected to uphold after service.

The event briefly descended into confusion when a stray cow wandered into the venue, disrupting proceedings and forcing some corps members seated under a tree to scamper for safety. Security personnel and officials quickly intervened, and the animal was driven away without any injuries reported.

After calm was restored, Nwachuku proceeded with the formalities and declared the service year for the 2025 Batch A Stream II officially closed, charging the new graduates to serve as ambassadors of the scheme and contribute positively to national development.