The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has claimed she has participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at least twice.
Musawa disclosed this while addressing the controversy surrounding her NYSC certificate on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
The Minister has been under scrutiny after failing to provide the Nigerian Senate with evidence of completing the mandatory NYSC program during her screening for ministerial confirmation in 2023, following her nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
This led to legal challenges from Nigerians who argued that her appointment without completing the NYSC was a violation of the law.
Musawa, while addressing the issue, stated that she is not yet ready to fully disclose the details of the situation. She emphasized that she had not broken any laws and completed the NYSC program as required.
“The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong. I have probably done more NYSC than you. I have done at least two NYSCs in my life,” she stated.
When pressed for further clarification, Musawa reiterated that she had followed the law but would provide a full explanation at a later time.
“One day, I will come out with my account. As of now, I think it is important for me to focus on giving Nigerians the deliverables,” she added.
NYSC regulations stipulate that the program is intended to be a one-time experience for eligible Nigerian graduates, with no provision for re-enrollment once a corps member has completed the program and received their discharge certificate.