In a groundbreaking policy shift, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that married female corps members will no longer be required to change their names to seek redeployment.
This decision, which was disclosed in a statement released today, marks a significant departure from the previous policy, where married female corps members had to officially adopt their husbands’ surnames to qualify for redeployment on marital grounds.
The NYSC management clarified that the new policy is aimed at easing the redeployment process while respecting the personal and cultural preferences of corps members. According to the statement, the adjustment reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness in the administration of the mandatory national service scheme.
“This decision ensures that the individuality and personal choices of married female corps members are respected while simplifying the redeployment process,” the statement read.
Redeployment on marital grounds remains an option for married female corps members who wish to be posted closer to their spouses. However, the updated policy will now require only the presentation of valid documents such as a marriage certificate, evidence of change of residence, and the husband’s means of identification eliminating the need for a formal name change.
This development has been met with widespread approval, particularly among gender equality advocates who have long criticized the name-change requirement as outdated and discriminatory.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Kemi Adebayo, a gender rights activist. “Women should not be forced to lose their identity or make unnecessary legal changes to fulfill their obligations in marriage or service.”
Married corps members, especially those undergoing the redeployment process, have expressed relief and appreciation for the policy update.
“I’m glad the NYSC is finally addressing this issue. It’s a progressive decision that makes things easier for us as women,” said a corps member currently serving in Kano State.
As the NYSC rolls out this updated policy, it signals a broader recognition of the evolving dynamics of marriage and service in modern Nigeria. Authorities encourage all affected corps members to follow the updated guidelines as they prepare for redeployment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this policy and its implementation.
