UNICEF, NPC Partners with NYSC on Digital Birth Registration 

This partnership aims to issue birth certificates to children under the age of 5 in Nigeria, providing them with names and nationality. The registration process will cover 21 states, 456 local government areas, and 4,978 wards across the country.

Dr Ibrahim Sesay, the Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF, announced the collaboration during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.

According to Dr Sesay, around 800 Corps members will be enlisted for the exercise and will work alongside officials from the National Population Commission.

He emphasized the significance of birth registration and birth certificates as legal identities for every Nigerian child. The data collected during the registration process will be stored in a digital birth registration system managed by the National Population Commission.

Dr Sesay expressed optimism regarding the success of this collaboration.

Mr Omotade Ayodele, the NYSC Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, revealed that UNICEF would lead the partnership as stated in the MoU. He also highlighted the willingness of the NYSC to collaborate with organizations that contribute to national development.

While commending the initiative, Brigadier General Yusha'u Ahmed, the Director General of the NYSC, represented by Mrs. Zainab Isah, the Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects, requested adequate security and proper remuneration for the Corps Members involved in the exercise.

Also, the DG of the NPC, Dr. Tellson Osifo, expressed the readiness of the commission for the collaboration.