Members of the National Youth Service Corps under the umbrella of Educational Development Community Development Service Group, Olorunda Local Government Area, Osogbo, have urged secondary students to shun abuse and cultism.

The corps members gave the charge at a sensitisation programme for students of St. James Grammar School, Ayetoro, Osogbo, on Tuesday.

They addressed the students on sexual abuse, cultism, responsible social media use and the impact of artificial intelligence on learning.

With the theme: “Student Safety, Healthy Relationships, and Responsible Technology Use for Academic Excellence,” the programme brought together corps members, teachers and students.

It was designed to equip the students with the knowledge and practical guidance to make informed decisions, protect themselves from harmful influences and maximise opportunities for personal and academic development.

Speaking on the topic, a corps member, Ogundele Damian, explained the forms of abuse, including sexual harassment, unwanted sexual touching, exploitation, coercion and online sexual abuse.

He outlined its psychological, physical, social and academic consequences, and stressed the need for awareness, effective safeguarding policies, adequate supervision and accessible reporting channels in schools.

According to him, students must feel safe to report inappropriate behaviour without fear of intimidation, embarrassment or victimisation. He urged school authorities to respond with care, protect affected students and take appropriate action.

Also speaking, another member of the CDS group, Nwokoro Samuel, warned the students against involvement in crime and secret cults, saying such could destroy their academic ambitions, damage family relationships and expose them to serious legal and personal consequences.

He urged the students to resist negative peer pressure and reject the false promises of protection, popularity and power often associated with cultism. He advised them to embrace discipline, hard work, integrity and responsible friendships, noting that genuine success comes through positive choices and dedication.

Presenting on “Social Media: Benefits, Risks and Responsible Use,” an NYSC member, Mudashir Babatunde Odunewu, said digital platforms can support learning, creativity, communication, talent development and access to educational opportunities.

He cautioned, however, against excessive use, cyberbullying, online scams, misinformation, privacy risks and digital distractions that can harm academic performance and well-being. He advised the students to protect their personal information, verify content before sharing it, respect others online and put their studies ahead of likes and followers.

For Ojo Ebunoluwa Ibidunni, while examining the topic “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Is It Making Students Smarter or Making Them Lazy?”, AI tools can improve learning by simplifying difficult concepts, offering extra academic support, encouraging research and helping students develop useful skills.

She warned, however, that over-reliance could weaken independent thinking, encourage academic dishonesty and lead students to accept incorrect information without verification.

Ibidunni urged the students to use AI as a learning assistant, not a substitute for their own effort and understanding. She also advised them to attempt tasks independently, verify AI-generated information and practise without technological assistance.

The President of the Educational Development CDS Group, Obaniyi Vincent Dolapo, stressed the need to build a generation of young people who are safe, disciplined, respectful, digitally responsible and committed to academic excellence.

He encouraged the students to apply the lessons from the programme, make wise decisions, choose positive friendships and take responsibility for the future they desire.

Obaniyi thanked the principal and staff of St. James Grammar School, Ayetoro, for welcoming the team and giving them the opportunity to engage with the students. He also commended the corps members for their preparation, teamwork and dedication.

The school’s Senior Girl also thanked the corps members and school authorities for organising the programme, describing it as an enlightening experience for the students.

The programme reflects the commitment of the NYSC Community Development Service to promoting positive change through education, public enlightenment and youth engagement.

“For us in the Educational Development CDS Group, it was more than a school visit. It was a chance to help shape informed, responsible and confident young people who can contribute meaningfully to society,” Obaniyi said