The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has rejected the June 13 date fixed for the National Youth Service Corps 2016/17 Batch A (Stream II) orientation course.

In a statement Thursday, the group said the date coincided with Muslim corps members’ Ramadan fasting.

“It is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional for NYSC to hold camp at a time when its Muslim members will be deprived of their freedom of worship and the liberty to practice their creed without fear,” MURIC said in the statement issued by its Director, Ishaq Akintola.

“This planned camp is exclusive, discriminatory and parochial.”

The new date was fixed after several postponements and cancellations, prompting rumours that the programme had been scrapped.

But the NYSC in a statement said the date was fixed after President Muhammadu Buhari approved and released funds for the scheme.

The NYSC orientation programme would run from June 13 to June 29 nationwide.

MURIC noted that any Nigerian institution dealing with schedules and programmes is expected to consider the dates and periods of important festivals, rituals and religious practices.

“This should form the core of its logistics. It is our humble opinion that NYSC headquarters has failed in its strategic planning by allowing its next camp to clash with the Ramadan period,” said Mr. Akintola, a professor.

“What happened to 21st May, 2016, which was the date earlier picked for the orientation?

“We do not want to believe that the shift was deliberately planned to coincide with the Ramadan season with a view to excluding prospective Muslim corpers.

“MURIC is not trying to indulge Muslim youths. Fasting is no joke and it certainly cannot be combined with the physical challenges which characterize the NYSC camp.”

The Muslim group also noted that eligible Muslim graduates would want to be part of the service but “the obstacles standing in their way are gargantuan”.

“Firstly, morning drills in NYSC camps are known to be rigorous and the soldiers in charge will not take excuses,” Mr. Akintola said.

“Dehydration sets in later in the day particularly in the hotter regions of Nigeria. Ramadan period is therefore not the best time to hold NYSC orientation camp.

“Secondly, adequate sahuur (early morning meal taken approximately between 4 am and 5.15 am) cannot be guaranteed in the NYSC camp. Neither can the futuur (meal taken at sunset to break fast ) be timely as camp schedules are bound to ignore and subsume this very important period.

“Thirdly, attending orientation camp and partaking in the energy-sapping activities on empty stomach is an indubitable invitation to health crisis. NYSC may therefore be inviting Muslim corpers to step on landmines in the planned orientation camp if it holds as presently scheduled.”

The fourth issue, Mr. Akintola, continued, is the spiritual angle.

Mr. Akintola said fasting is compulsory for every Muslim adult, adding that any obstacle put in the way of Muslims to make it impossible for them to fast is an encroachment on their fundamental human right and a flagrant violation of Nigerian Constitution.

“There is more to Ramadan than ordinary fasting,” he said.

“That is on the surface. The whole month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual dedication. There are so many other spiritual exercises in which Muslims engage, the tafsiir (exegesis of the Qur’an) session, the taraawih (late evening supererogatory prayers) and nawaafil (night supererogatory prayers).

“Only the deep can call to the deep. All these cannot be possible in the NYSC camp.”

source

Hmm abeg add sugar to this your tea

Na dem peace pple again.

This muslims must reallt think nigeria belong to them.its time nigeria stop being over religious than the white men they introduce religion to us.

Faith I believe is a personal act and choice, NYSC on the contrary is a social and national act which can't be stopped for d sake of any faith be it Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, tradition or any. There is a choice to participate or postpone Ur participation of the NYSC if it conflict with your personal schedule, therefore this call is not necessary as it might eventually arise to something else giving to the various and random situation the country is experiencing at the moment. A United Nigeria and peaceful one is what we need.
The activities of the 3weeks on camp sure wouldn't be comfortable for those fasting but u can always concentrate on this holy exercise and go with the next batch where u will enjoy it and participate conveniently.

#myopinion

they raised valid points sha,but this country and religion kai !

If I remember correctly, the early morning rigorous activities where done b4 we had breakfast. So I don't see how that will be a problem cos they eat by 5am.

When they finish rejecting it they should let us know.

Camp is on monday. If u no like am sidon 4 ur house. It's not a by force something

I thought Nigeria is a secular state but now i know.

I thought Nigeria is a secular state but now i know. We're not

Sooooo because you are FASTING things must change.. but when it is a CHRISTIAN FAST things go on as usual.. I hope those mealy-mouthed Peaceful Muslims in the ISLAM Section are reading this.. living in an isolated thread where they do not have to raise a voice to discourage negativity of their Islam brothers.. NIGERIANS.. keep watching as the dagger slides deeper into your throats.. keep watching silly fence-sitters

I know the pacifists christian mod will jump off his pecker to the instruction of the rabid muslim mod to ban me.. no problem.. your own punishment is already your burden..