NYSC Advises Female Corps Members to Avoid Henna Before Biometric Registration

TL;DR: The NYSC has warned female prospective corps members to avoid henna on their fingers before reporting to orientation camps because the dye can obscure fingerprints and delay biometric registration. Clear fingerprints are required for identity verification during the mandatory one-year national service. The advisory aims to prevent administrative hold‑ups that could stall camp clearance.

The National Youth Service Corps mobilizes over 300,000 graduates each year for its one-year service program. At every orientation camp, biometric fingerprint capture is a compulsory step that verifies identity and enables participants to receive kits, uniforms, and access to camp facilities. The scheme issued the warning on its verified X account on Friday, reaching thousands of prospective members.

Biometric registration captures unique fingerprint patterns to create a secure digital ID for each corps member. This ID is used throughout the service year for payroll, posting, and certification. The system reduces fraud and ensures that only eligible graduates participate.

The notice explicitly states that female applicants should not apply henna (mehndi) on their fingers before travel to camp. It instructs them to keep fingerprints clean and clear at all times to ensure smooth registration. If henna obscures the prints, the registration process can be significantly delayed, and in severe cases corps members may be unable to complete the procedure.

For prospective female corps members, the notice adds a simple preparation step that helps avoid administrative setbacks. By refraining from henna on the hands, they reduce the risk of being held up at the fingerprint station and can proceed with camp clearance on schedule. The reminder also highlights the NYSC's growing reliance on biometric technology for accurate record-keeping and efficient camp management.

Observers will note whether compliance with the advisory reduces registration delays in the upcoming batch of camps and if the NYSC issues further guidance on other cosmetic practices that could affect biometric systems.