NYSC DG, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, said the exemption of people in these categories from service was because they would not be able to undergo the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC, which is mobilisation, orientation, primary assignment and winding-up passing out parade.
Olawumi said it didn't make sense that pregnant women and nursing mothers would be absent from these stages of the national service, only to resurface for posting to their various places of primary assignments. The NYSC also said that pregnant women and children would no longer be allowed into orientation camps across the country.
