NYSC deploys biometric technology for conduct of check on corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has developed a biometric data capturing technology that will help in the nationwide conduct of weekly and monthly check on corps members.

The Director-General of the corps, Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, said this during the inauguration and practical demonstration of the programme at the Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

``It is going to make sure that corps members stay in their places of primary assignment. It will reduce the rate at which they travel.

``It will help the core employers to benefit from the services of these corps members maximally because they will now remain in their places of primary assignment.

``We have policies in the scheme that guide absence from places of primary assignment. For example - there are certain number of times a corps member can be absent and such a corps member - in punishment - the service will be extended.

``We are not doing this in isolation it is in line with the policies of the scheme. It is going to bring transparency and accountability into the way we do things.

``My staff, who have been conniving with corps members in the past will not be able to do that anymore because unless such a corps members cuts the thumb and gives to anybody to thumb print for him.``

The DG said that six members of staff were presently facing possible dismissal from the scheme after being caught engaging and conniving with corps members to leave their places of primary assignment.

He said that the disciplinary measure being taken was in line with the public service rule and the NYSC condition of service.

He said that the biometric technology made provision for corps members who may genuinely fall sick or have reasons to be away from their areas of assignments during the course of the service year.

Olawumi said that the biometrics would first be deployed for use in Lagos and Abuja adding that it will be fully adopted by other states of the federation next year.

NAN