Page 1 of 23

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC HONOURS

AWARDEES

CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC

HONOURS AWARDEES, 2019

Page 2 of 23

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC HONOURS AWARDEES, 2019

PART ONE - PREAMBLE, NAME, HEADQUARTERS, ETC 1. Preamble: 2. Name: 3. Headquarters: 4. Secretariat: 5. Motto: 6. Supremacy: 7. Nature of the Association: 8. Administration

PART TWO - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 9. Aims and Objectives of the Association PART THREE - MEMBERSHIP 10. Membership of the Association 11. Membership obligations 12. Membership class 13. Benefits of Members PART FOUR - ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 14. Establishment of the Executive Council 15. Composition of the Executive Council 16. Roles and Functions of the President 17. Roles and Functions of the Vice President 18. Roles and Functions of the Secretary General 19. Roles and Functions of the Assistant Secretary General 20. Roles and Functions of the Financial Secretary 21. Roles and Functions of the Treasurer 22. Roles and Functions of the Public Relations Officer 23. Roles and Functions of the Director of Programmes and Strategies 24. Roles and Functions of the Welfare/Social Secretary 25. Roles and Functions of the Chief Whip shall – 26. Roles and Functions of the Legal Adviser 27. The Ex-Officio Member 28. Tenure of Office 29. Cessation of membership of the Executive Council PART FIVE - THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 30. Establishment of the Board of Trustees of the Association 31. Membership of the Board of Trustees 32. Roles and Functions of the Board of Trustees 33. Tenure of Office of the Trustees 34. Meetings of the Board of Trustees 35. Vacancy in the Board of Trustees

Page 3 of 23

PART SIX - PATRONS, MATRONS AND GRAND PATRON 36. Patrons, Matrons and Grand Patron PART SEVEN - MEETINGS 37. Statutory Meetings of the Association 38. Executive Council Meetings 39. Monthly General Meetings

40. Annual General Meetings 41. Special/Emergency Meetings PART EIGHT - AD-HOC COMMITTEES 42. Powers of the President to constitute administrative committees PART NINE - FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT 43. Finance 44. Accounts and Audit 45. Signatories PART TEN - COMMON SEAL OF THE ASSOCIATION 46. The Common Seal of the Association PART ELEVEN - ELECTIONS 47. Electoral Committee 49. Form of Election 50. Nomination 51. Criteria 52. Electoral Disputes 53. Voting PART TWELVE - MISCONDUCTS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES 54. Misconduct 55. Social Media (Online) Rules 56. Legal action by Member against the Association or another Member

PART THIRTEEN - MISCELLANEOUS 57. Special Clause 58. Amendments to the provisions of this Constitution 59. Repeal and Saving Provision 60. Interpretation

Page 4 of 23

CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC HONOURS AWARDEES, 2019

PART ONE

PREAMBLE, NAME, HEADQUARTERS, ETC

1. Preamble:

We the Members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC HONOURS AWARDEES having met and resolved to – (a) form an Association for the promotion of unity, love, peace and welfare among members; (b) form an Association for the facilitation of the continued development of our Nation Nigeria;

and (c) have a Constitution to regulate our activities, relations and conduct, do hereby makeand give ourselves the following Rules and Regulations, which shall hereinafter be referred to as, “the CONSTITUTION”.

2. Name:

The Name of the Association shall be NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRESIDENT’S NYSC HONOURS AWARDEES; hereinafter called “the Association”.

3. Headquarters: The Headquarters of the ASSOCIATION shall be situated at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, or at any such place as the Association may, from time to time, determine.

4. Secretariat: The Association shall maintain a Secretariat within the Federal Capital Territory for the purpose of coordinating its activities.

5. Motto: The motto of the Association shall be “SERVICE, UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT”

6. Supremacy:

(1) This Constitution shall be the supreme authority guiding activities of the Association and

shall have a binding force on all members, subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and NYSC Act, Rules and Regulations.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) above, this Constitution shall be superior to any

other law, rule and regulation and where there is inconsistency between this Constitution and such other laws, such other laws shall be void to the extent of its inconsistency.

Page 5 of 23

7. Nature of the Association The Association shall be a non-political, non-governmental, and non-religious organization.

8. Administration Subject to the matters set out below, the Association and its property shall be administered and managed in accordance with this Constitution by the Members of the Executive Council set up under Part Four of the Constitution in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the General Assembly.

PART TWO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

9. Aims and Objectives of the Association

(1) The aim of the Associations shall be to foster national unity,enhance nation building and development.

(2) The objectives of the Associations shall be to -

(a) promote the ideals for which the NYSC was established; (b) collaborate with government and relevant stakeholders towards strengthening the

NYSC scheme and the President‟s NYSC Honours Award; (c) foster re-union and social cohesion among members despite their age, socio-

economic, cultural, religious or political differences; (d) complement socio-economic and infrastructural development efforts of

government and partners; (e) create and sustain a platform for sharing of opportunities, ideas, knowledge

through seminars, research, workshops and conferences; (f) promote the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of its members through

mutual cooperation and assistance; (g) promote and defend the rights of its members; (h) serve as an alternative voice on topical national issues especially as concern the

youths; (i) provide managerial and technical assistance necessary for the execution of pilot

projects in different development sectors; (j) encourage and awaken in its members the spirit of tolerance, unity, love and

understanding, help for one another, and to promote the welfare and progress of members;

(k) organize fund raising events to generate income to fund developmental projects; and

(l) do any and all proper things necessary or incidental to the realization of these stated purposes.

Page 6 of 23

PART THREE MEMBERSHIP

10. Membership of the Association

(1) Membership of the Association shall be automatic for all recipients of the PRESIDENT‟S NYSC HONOURS AWARD.

(2) An Award Winner shall fill necessary membership forms, pay membership registration fees or any other fees as may be agreed by the General Assembly, from time to time.

(3) Every member of the Association shall have the title PNHA (meaning President‟s NYSC Honours Awardee) to his/her name.

11. Membership obligations

(1) A member shall pay a registration fee of N1,000 or any other amount as may be approved by the General Assembly, from time to time.

(2) All registered members of the Association shall pay a monthly dues of N500.00 or any other amount as may be approved by the General Assembly from time to time.

(3) The payment of monthly dues can be done in advance, upfront or by direct debit provided that any monthly dues that is not paid by the 28th day of the month shall be considered a late payment.

(4) All members shall be required to clear any outstanding dues for the year before the 31st day of December and failure to do so shall attract a fine of 10% of the total amount outstanding.

(5) Only financially up to date members are entitled to benefits from the Association including voting in an election or vying for any elective position.

(6) Honorary members may not pay dues but could make free-will donations to the Association.

(7) There shall be project levies to be paid by members for specific projects as need arises from time to time as may be agreed by the General Assembly.

(8) For the purpose of this section, “financially up to date members” refers to members who have completed their annual dues for the year prior to the election in the election year.

12. Membership class

Page 7 of 23

(1) Full member: A full member shall be a financially up to date member and must participate actively in the activities of the Association especially in the index year. A full member will be entitled to certain benefits from the Association including voting in elections and being voted for.

(2) Nominal member: A nominal member is a recipient of the award who is not registered with the Association, not financially up to date and does not participate in the activities of the association. A nominal member shall only have the privilege of the floor in the sessions of the General Meetings. He/she shall not vote in sessions of the General Meetings or hold any elective positions/offices.

(3) Honorary member: A non-member of the Association who has made outstanding and conspicuous contributions to the fulfillment of the aims and objectives of the Association or NYSC may be elected as an Honorary member of the Association by 2/3 membership of the Executive Council on the recommendation of any member of the Executive Council or the Board of Trustees. Honorary members shall not pay dues to the Association but shall have the privilege of the floor in the sessions of the General Meeting. An Honorary Member shall not vote in sessions of the General Meetings or hold any elective office in the Association.

13. Benefits of Members

(1) Financially up to date members shall be entitled to any two of following benefits within a gap of not less than 5 years - (a) Marriage benefit; (b) Dedication of child; (c) House opening; (d) Launching of business; (e) Retirement thanksgiving; (f) Death of parent; (g) Death of spouse; and (h) Burial benefit (death of a member)

(2) In the cases above, at least two members of the Association shall be in attendance with a

cash presentation.

(3) The amount to be presented to the affected member or immediate relative (in the case of death of a member) shall be reviewed, from time to time, by General Assemblygiven any prevailing circumstance.

PART FOUR

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 14. Establishment of the Executive Council

Page 8 of 23

(1) The Association shall be administered by an Executive Council of not less than nine (9) members and not more than twelve (12) members elected by a secret ballot at a General Meeting or in an online voting.

(2) Members making up the Executive Council must be financiallyup to date members of the Association.

(3) The Executive Councilshall have the following duties - (a) be responsible for the management of the business and affairs of the Association

in accordance with the provision of this Constitution; (b) exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Association between sessions

of the General Assembly (c) Make reports or recommendations to the house on the general running of the

Association, (d) initiate projects to be carried out by the Association; and (e) may initiate review of the aspects of the constitution

(4) To reach the objectives, the Executive Council may exercise the following authorities - (a) Authority to raise fund and to invite and receive contributions, provided that in

raising funds the Executive Council shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to all relevant requirements of the law;

(b) Authority to buy, lease or exchange any property necessary for the achievement of the objectives, maintain and equip it for use;

(c) Authority to co-operate with other NGO‟s, Voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objectives or of similar charitable purposes, and exchange information/advice with them;

(d) Authority to appoint and constitute such advisory committees as the Executive Council may think fit; and

(e) Authority to do all such other lawful things as is necessary for the achievement of the objectives.

15. Composition of the Executive Council

The Executive Council shall be composed of - (a) The President; (b) Vice President; (c) Secretary General; (d) Assistant Secretary General; (e) Financial Secretary; (f) Treasurer; (g) Public Relations Officer (PRO); (h) Director of Project and Strategy; (i) Welfare/Social Secretary; (j) Chief Whip; (k) Legal Adviser; (l) Ex-Officio Member (1); and

Page 9 of 23

(m) such other offices the Association may deem necessary to create at the general meeting subject to the provision of section 14 (1) of this Constitution.

16. Roles and Functions of the President

The President shall be the Chief Executive of the Association and shall be responsible for the following - (a) Coordinate the activities of the Association; (b) Represent the Association or appoint a representative of the Association in any gathering

or function; (c) Preside over all meetings of the Association; (d) Have a casting vote; (e) Serve as an effective link between the Association, NYSC and the general public; (f) Defend and protect the interest of the Association; (g) Act for and on behalf of the Association; (h) Act as Co-Signatory (Category „A‟) to the Association bank account; (i) Act as the Secretary to the Board of Trustees

17. Roles and Functions of the Vice President The Vice President shall assist the president in the discharge of his/her duties in addition to the following - (a) Act for the President when absent; (b) Coordinate the various organs of the Association and report to the president; and (c) Carry out functions as may be assigned to him/her by the President from time to time.

18. Roles and Functions of the Secretary General

The Secretary shall manage the secretariat of the Association and specifically do the following - (a) Take minutes at all meetings of the Association and that of the Executive Council; (b) Maintain proper and up to date records and register of the Association; (c) Be the custodian of the Association‟ Seal; (d) Be responsible for the overall administration of the Association; (e) Be a Co-Signatory (Category „A‟) to the Association‟s Account.

19. Roles and Functions of the Assistant Secretary General

The Assistant Secretary General shall - (a) assist the Secretary General in the discharge of his/her duties; (b) act as the Secretary General in his/her absence; (c) work closely with Ad-Hoc/Standing Committees and shall where appropriate head such

Committees; (d) carry out such other assignment as may from time to time be assigned to him/her.

20. Roles and Functions of the Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall -

Page 10 of 23

(a) Maintain all financial records: (b) Receive all income and give out all expenditure as directed by the management/Executive

Council; (c) Provide financial policies that will enhance the effectiveness of the Association; (d) Provide financial advice; (e) Draw up annual budget; (f) Be a Co-Signatory (category „B‟) to the Associations account (s); (g) Hand over to the treasurer, all monies received within forty eight (48) hours after receipt for

onward lodgment into the Association‟s Bank Account or make such payment to the Bank account and forward the evidence of payment to the Treasurer for keeps;

(h) Issue demand notice to all defaulting members, requesting them to pay their debts and meet up with their financial obligations as and when due;

(i) Give quarterly financial statement of the Association to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Council and the General Assembly, including the declaration of dividends when the need arises;

(j) Collect all monies due to the Association, update records of same in appropriate charts and Books of Account and issues receipt in acknowledgement of therefore;

(k) Carry out all other assignment that may be assigned to him/her under this Constitution by the President, or the General Assembly.

21. Roles and Functions of the Treasurer

The Treasurer shall - (a) Collect money on behalf of the Association; (b) Deposit money into the Association‟s Bank account (c) Keep an impress amounting to the sum of N10,000.00 only for the day to day running of

the affairs of the Association and keep payment vouchers for all payments; (d) Where the Treasure collects sums of money due to the Association directly from members

or from the donors, he shall transmit the records of such receipt to the Financial Secretary within 48 hours of such receipt, stating the time payment was made, the name and address of the payee, the amount paid and the purpose of the payment (s);

(e) Make withdrawals from the Association‟s account and make necessary disbursements as occasion demands subject to the written approval by the appropriate officers of the Association.

(f) Shall be a Co-signatory (Category „B‟) to the Associations‟ account; and (g) Carry out other assignments as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

22. Roles and Functions of the Public Relations Officer

The Public Relations Officer shall - (a) handle key communications activities, including media relations/analysis, management

and design of communication, providing a broad range of communications support. (b) he/she will also be immersed in a diverse, international volunteer-led-public outreach and

fundraising activities; (c) circulate notice of all meetings whether General or Executive at least twenty –four (24)

hours prior to the date of such meetings through the print/electronic media and ICT added services such as the internet, telephone calls, text massages etc;

Page 11 of 23

(d) Carry all duties in conjunction with the Executive Council and at appropriate times, issue press statements/releases, organized press conferences etc., for the image building of the Association; and

(e) dosuch other things that may from time to time be deemed necessary by the General Assembly or the Executive Council.

23. Roles and Functions of the Director of Programmes and Strategies

The Director of Program and Strategies shall - (a) assist in implementing and managing projects for the realization of the Association‟s

objectives; (b) assist in preparing grant proposals, help to monitor project that are grant-funded and report

on their status; (c) contribute to and collate information on projects and their outcomes, including annual

report, quarterly updates and websites. Maintenance of records and files, track incoming proposal and inquiries, draft routine correspondence;

(d) assist in special meetings and event planning; and (e) carry out any other activities that may contribute to the realization of the Association‟s

objectives, in one way or the other.

24. Roles and Functions of the Welfare/Social Secretary

The Welfare/Social Secretary shall - (a) shall provide the Association with standards and principles on the grant of welfare

assistance; (b) act as Chairman of the Welfare/Social Committee and shall perform other functions

incidental to welfare and social aspects of the Association; (c) have in his safe custody all materials collated for the purpose of meeting welfare needs

such as foodstuff, clotting household equipment, etcetera; and (d) collect monies meant for welfare from the treasurer and distribute same to those it is

meant for and return such monies to the treasury when they are not distributed as approved and obtain treasury receipts showing acknowledgement.

25. Roles and Functions of the Chief Whip

The Chief Whip shall – (a) maintain peace, order and decorum during meetings and other activities of the

Association; (b) collect fines from members where any and hand same to the Financial Secretary; and (c) carry out other duties incidental to his/her office or as may be assigned to him/her from

time to time. 26. Roles and Functions of the Legal Adviser

(1) There shall be for the Association a Legal Adviser who shall be appointed by the Executive Council with the approval of the General Assembly.

Page 12 of 23

(2) The Legal Adviser shall be a Financial Member and shall be knowledgeable Legal

Practitioner with at least, 10 years post call cognate experience.

(3) Legal Adviser shall –

(a) act at the Company Secretary to the Association in fulfilment of the requirements of the Corporate Affairs Commission;

(b) ensure the proper interpretation of the Constitution and that the provisions are upheld;

(c) uphold honesty and justice in carrying out the activities of the Association; (d) head the Association‟s Disciplinary/Investigation Committee; (e) proffer legal advice to the Association whenever the need arises; and (f) carry out any other functions as may be assigned to him from time to time.

27. The Ex-Officio Member

(1) The Ex-Officio member shall be selected by the Executive Council from the immediate out-going/out gone Executive Council.

(2) He/she must be capable of providing information on the vision of the out-going/out gone Executive Council to ensure continuity and contribute to the growth and development of the Association.

(3) The Ex-officio member is to carry out assignment as may be referred to him/her from time to time.

28. Tenure of Office

(1) Membership of the Executive Council shall for a period of two years from the time of swearing in, which will form a tenure of office.

(2) The Executive Council (members) may stand in for re-election to complete second tenure of two years after which they shall not be eligible to contest for same executive position(s) until a period of ten years from the end of second tenure of office.

(3) Every Executive Member shall hold office for a period of two years and is eligible for a second and final term of two years consecutively, after which he/she will wait for ten years before vying for same elective positions he/she occupied in the four years.

(4) Any Executive Member found guilty of any criminal offence, gross misconduct or act that are inimical to the set objectives of the Association may be removed subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and confirmation by a voice vote of General Assembly.

(5) The tenure of the Executive Council expires upon the election and swearing in new set of Executive Members.

Page 13 of 23

29. Cessation of membership of the Executive Council

A member of the Executive Council shall cease to hold office if – (a) his term of office expires and he is not re-elected; (b) he resigns his office by a notice in writing under his hand addressed to the President; (c) heis incapable of performing the functions of his office due to mental or physical illness; (d) he is guilty of gross misconduct or has been convicted of a felony or any offence involving

dishonesty; (e) he becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with his creditors; (f) his NYSC Discharge Certificate or the President‟s NYSC National Honours Awards

conferred on him is withdrawn; (h) in the case of a person possessed of professional qualifications, he is disqualified or

suspended from practicing his profession in any part of the world by an order of a competent authority made in respect of that member; or

(i) is absent without the permission of the Executive Council from all their meetings held within a period of six months and the Councilby a two – third majority vote resolve that his office be vacated.

PART FIVE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

30. Establishment of the Board of Trustees of the Association

(1) There shall be for the Association, a Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as the Trustees‟) who for the purpose of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) CAP 59 LFN 1990, Part C, shall be elected at a general meeting by two-third majority votes of members present.

(2) The Trustees shall not be less than three (3) and shall be known as the Registered

Trustees of Association.

31. Membership of the Board of Trustees

Membership of the Board of Trustees shall include - (a) The Chairman, who shall preside over the meetings; (b) The Secretary, who shall be the incumbent president of the Association; (c) The Legal Adviser to the Association who shall also advice the BOT on legal matters; (d) Three (3) members representing special interest; (e) A representative of the Presidency; (f) A representative of the Director – General, NYSC.

32. Roles and Functions of the Board of Trustees

The Trustees shall guarantee the corporate moral integrity of the Association and shall in addition - (a) represent the Association in all Legal matters;

Page 14 of 23

(b) nominate a candidate for ratification of the General Assembly to fill vacant positions when cessation of office occurs;

(c) apply to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission for Certificate of Incorporation under Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990, part C; and

(d) where such certificate is granted, the Trustees shall have power to hold same in trust all land belonging to the Association and to acquire land on behalf of the Association and subject to such condition as the Commission may impose.

33. Tenure of Office of the Trustees

(1) A Trustee may hold office for a period of two (2) years subject to renewal for another term

of two years and no more.

(2) A Trustee shall cease to hold office if he - (a) resigns his office by a notice in writing under his hand addressed to the President; (b) is incapable of performing the functions of his office due to mental or physical illness; (c) is guilty of gross misconduct or has been convicted of a felony or any offence

involving dishonesty; (d) he becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with his creditors; (e) is no longer considered to be of good standing in the society; (f) his NYSC Discharge Certificate or the President‟s NYSC National Honours

Awards conferred on him is withdrawn; (g) in the case of a person possessed of professional qualifications, he is disqualified

or suspended from practicing his profession in any part of the world by an order of a competent authority made in respect of that member; or

(h) is recommended for removal from office by two-thirds majority vote of the members present at any general meeting of the Association fixed for that purpose.

34. Meetings of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall hold meetings at least four (4) times in every calendar year and at such other times and in such places as they shall from time to time decide.

35. Vacancy in the Board of Trustees

Upon a Vacancy occurring in the Board of Trustees, a General Meeting will be held to appoint another eligible member of the Association to fill the Vacancy based on the recommendation of the Executive Council.

PART SIX

PATRONS, MATRONS AND GRAND PATRON

36. Patrons, Matrons and Grand Patron

(1) There shall be for the Association Patrons, Matrons and a Grand patron to proffer advice to the Association and give the BOT, the President in Council and General Assembly,

Page 15 of 23

advice of a general character or relating generally to particular matters with regards to the exercise of the functions of the Association‟s principal officers and organs, and it shall be at the discretion of such principal officers to consider and act on the advice of the patrons in the best interest of the Association.

(2) The principal officers and organs may in consultation with the patrons, matrons and grand

patron make regulations generally for the purpose of giving full effect to the provisions of this constitution.

(3) The President and Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria shall be the Grand Patron of the Association. (4) The Minister of Youth and Sports or DG of NYSC may be considered for the post of the

grand patron where the Nigerian President declines or could not be reached. (5) The patrons and matrons of the Association shall be appointed by the General Assembly

on the recommendations of the Executive Council. (6) Upon their appointment, the Association shall make a public presentation of a letter/

certificate of appointment to the Patrons, Matrons and Grand Patron. (7) The Patrons and Matrons may include senior awardees who are retired from the Public

Service or still serving but in the Directorate Cadre, Permanent Secretary or Head of an Agency of Government.

PART SEVEN

MEETINGS

37. Statutory Meetings of the Association

The following meetings are recognized by the Association - (a) Executive Council Meetings (b) Monthly General Meetings (c) Annual General Meetings/Conference (d) Emergency meetings or Standing Committee Meetings (e) Board of Trustees Meetings (f) Online Executive Council or General Meetings (g) Ad-hoc Committee meetings

38. Executive Council Meetings

(1) The Council shall hold at least six (6) ordinary meetings in each year provided that a special meeting may be called at any time by the President as long as no less than two (2) days notice is given to the other members of the Executive Council.

(2) The President shall preside at meetings of the Executive Council and in his absence, the Vice President shall preside over the meeting or the Secretary - General in the absence of both the President and Vice President.

Page 16 of 23

(3) A minimum of two thirds of the number of members of the Council or five members of the Council, whichever is the greater, must be present at any Executive Council meeting.

(4) Contentious issues on which there is no clear consensus or not captured in the Constitution shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members of the Council present and voting on the question and in the case of equality of votes, the President shall have a second or casting vote.

(5) The Council shall record and keep Minutes its proceedings.

(6) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Council may make and alter rules for the conduct of its business and meetings, and for the custody of documents as may be required from time to time.

39. Monthly General Meetings

(1) There shall be a monthly general meeting of the Association, which shall be held on the third Thursday of every month at a venue to be selected by the Executive Council.

(2) Every monthly general meeting shall be called by the Executive Council.

(3) The Secretary General or PRO shall give at least seven (7) days notice of the monthly general meeting to all the members of the Association.

(4) All the members of the Association shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.

(5) The President shall preside over the monthly general meetings and where the President is absent from any meeting, the Vice President shall preside over the meeting or the Secretary General in the absence of both the President and Vice President.

(6) The Executive Council shall present to each monthly general meeting the report of the preceding month.

(7) The Secretary General shall keep a full record of proceedings at every meeting of the Association.

(8) A minimum of one tenth of the number of members of the Association or ten (10) members of the Association whichever is the greater, must be present at any general meeting to form a quorum.

40. Annual General Meetings

(1) There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Association, which shall be held in the

month of June in each year, or as soon after as practicable.

Page 17 of 23

(2) Every Annual General meeting shall be convened by the Executive Council.

(3) The Secretary General shall give at least 21 days notice of the Annual General Meeting to all the members of the Association.

(4) All the members of the Association shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.

(5) The President shall be the Chairman of the Annual General Meetings, but if he or she is not present, before any other business is transacted, the persons present shall appoint a chairman of the meeting.

(6) The Financial Secretary shall present to each Annual General Meeting,the report and accounts of the Association for the preceding year.

(7) The Secretary General shall present the annual report of the preceding year andshall keep a full record of proceedings at every meeting of the Association.

(8) A minimum of one tenth of the number of members of the Association or twenty members of the Association whichever is the greater, must be present at any Annual General Meeting.

41. Special/Emergency Meetings

(1) The Executive Council may call a special or Emergency general meeting of the Association at any time.

(2) Where at least ten members request such a meeting in writing stating the business to be considered; the Secretary General shall call such a meeting.

(3) At least 7 days‟ notice must be given and the notice shallstate the business to be discussed.

PART EIGHT

AD-HOC COMMITTEES

42. Powers of the President to constitute administrative committees

(1) The President of the Association shall constitute administrative committees as the exigencies may arise for the realization of the set objectives of the Association.

(2) The Committees when constituted shall be given Terms of Reference and Time Line within

which to achieve set targets.

PART NINE FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT

43. Finance

Page 18 of 23

(1) The Association, being a non-profit making/charitable organization, shall be funded by and through contributions made in the form of monthly dues, freewill donations, grants, legacies and gifts by any person or association who may wish to identify with its vision.

(2) The Association may also raise funds through other sources as may be agreed by the Executive Council.

(3) The funds of the Association, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Executive Councilin the name of the Association at such bank as the Executive Council shall from time to time decide.

(4) All cheques drawn on the account shall be signed by at least two members (category „A‟ and „B‟ signatories) of the Executive Council.

(5) The Books of Account including statement of account shall be kept at the National Office of the Association and be open to inspection by members.

(6) The Financial Secretary in connection with the Executive Council shall from time to time formulate guidelines and regulations to govern the financial operations of the Association.

(7) The funds belonging to the Association shall be applied only in furthering the objectives of the Association.

(8) Any dues or other monies received in cash shall be remitted to the Association‟s account

within 24 Hours and evidence receipt of payment shall be issued on demand.

(9) A Quarterly Financial Report shall be made available to the members by the Financial Secretary

44. Accounts and Audit (1) The Executive Council shall comply with the -

(a) standard procedures for keeping of accounting records for the Association; (b) rules for the preparation of annual statements of account for the Association; (c) auditing or independent examination of the statements of account of the

Association; and (d) preparation of an annual financial report.

(2) The accounts of the Association shall be audited by an external auditor appointed by the Executive Council in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and announced at the General Meeting of the Association.

45. Signatories

(1) The signatories to the bank account(s) of the Association shall be in categories –

Page 19 of 23

A: The President and Secretary General;and B: Financial Secretary and Treasurer or any other persons that may be authorized by the Executive Council from time to time by the Trustees.

(2) The Board of Trustees reserves the right to nominate other signatories for various accounts of the Association and subject to approval by the Executive Council.

PART TEN COMMON SEAL OF THE ASSOCIATION

46. The Common Seal of the Association

(1) The Association shall have a Common Seal in the name of the Board of Trustees which shall be kept in the custody of the Secretary General who shall produce it when required for use by the President, Executive Council or the Board of Trustees.

(2) The Common Seal shall be used to authenticate all vital documents of the Association, such as Training Certificate, Other Certificates, Land Property Documents, recommendations, letters of introduction, and any other vital documents requiring the authentication by the Association.

PART ELEVEN ELECTIONS

47. Electoral Committee

(1) There shall be an Electoral Committee to conduct the general elections into the Executive Council which shall be appointed and inaugurated by the outgoing Executive Council.

(2) All matters relating to eligibility to contest the election or any other preliminary issue concerning the election shall be concluded by the Electoral Committee at least a month before the date fixed for the election.

(3) The Guidelines for the election as may be issued by the Electoral Committee or adopted by the General Assembly shall be in line with the provisions of this Constitution.

49. Form of Election

(1) Election of officers shall be by open secret ballot

(2) Only members in good financial standing (including payment of dues up to the election year) may vote or be voted for in the general elections.

Page 20 of 23

(3) Given the uniqueness of the Association, online voting may be considered

50. Nomination A person vying for any post shall obtain a form from the Electoral Committee at least one (1) month preceding the date of election, at a fee to be stipulated by the Electoral Committee

51. Criteria

(1) Elections shall be by a majority of votes cast at the general membership meeting convened for such or in an online voting and a minimum of one (1) month notice must be given for such meeting or online voting.

(2) In the event of a tie, balloting shall continue with the two front runners until a candidate for each office receives a majority votes. Rerun election shall be conducted for such contending (leading) candidates with a tie.

52. Electoral Disputes

(1) The election petition committee constituted by the outgoing Executive Council shall have the power to address all grievances or any other matter arising from the elections or declared result by the Electoral Committee within two(2) weeks of the election.

(2) All petitions arising from an election should reach the election petition committee not later than 48hours after the election

53. Voting

(1) Only full members in good standing as defined in this Constitution shall be entitled to vote, to hold office or to otherwise enjoy the Membership privileges of the Association.

(2) Each member of the Association including Members of the Executive Council shall have one (1) vote and a simple majority of votes cast shall decide any issue provided that the President shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

(3) Each member of the Board of Trustees shall have one vote and the Voting rights of a member of the Board shall not be delegated to another nor exercised by proxy provided that in the event of a tie, the chairman of the board of trustees shall have a casting vote.

PART TWELVE

MISCONDUCTS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Page 21 of 23

54. Misconduct (1) An act of misconduct in this context shall include -

(a) financial impropriety; (b) insubordination; (c) insolence and disobedience to rules and regulations of the Association; (d) any activities of the Association or Association-related actions of its officers or

members that violates existing Laws and Regulation including Local Government, State, Federal laws and International Regulations;

(e) actions tailored towards encouraging boycotts of Association‟s activities; (f) actions that foster unfair trade practices, or in any way violate federal or state

trade regulations and antitrust law; and. (g) any such conduct that is capable of bringing the integrity and image of the

association into disrepute.

(2) Depending on the severity of the misconduct, disciplinary measures shall range from Oral reprimands, written warnings, fines or suspensions as may be recommended by the Disciplinary Committee, approved by the Executive Counciland ratified by the General Assembly.

(3) All recommendations for disciplinary measures from the Disciplinary Committee shall be approved by the Executive Council and ratified by the General Assembly.

(4) A member who is not satisfied with the decisions, may appeal to the Board of Trustees for review and the outcome of the appeal shall be taken as final.

55. Social Media (Online) Rules

(1) The Association, shall have online platforms including WhatSapp, Facebook, telegram etc

where members will interact and have online meetings whenever the need arises.

(2) The Social Media Platform(s) shall serve as alternative meeting venue as may be considered necessary from time to time by the Executive Council.

(3) Members are bound by the rules of the social media platforms and are expected to obey the rules of the platforms.

56. Legal action by a member against the Association or another member

(1) Legal action of a member of the Association or group of members against the Association

is seriously frowned at and should be the last option after the Executive Council, Legal Adviser or BOT have satisfactorily failed to resolve such issues.

(2) Any aggrieved member who takes another member or the Association to the court without first passing through the legal adviser and then the BOT will be sanctioned.

PART THIRTEEN

Page 22 of 23

MISCELLANEOUS 57. Special Clause

(1) The Income and property of the Association whatsoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objectives of the Association as set out under Article 9 of this Constitution and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise however by way of profit to the member of the Association except as may be provided under this Constitution.

(2) Subject to the provision of Article 57 (1) of this Constitution, nothing in this Constitution

shall prevent the payment in good faith a reasonable and proper remuneration of any officer or servant of the Association in return for any service actually rendered to the Association.

(3) No member of the Board of Trustees or Executive Council shall be appointed to any

salaried office of the Association and paid fees or remuneration or other benefits,

(4) No money shall be given to any Trustee or member of the Executive Council except as provided for under this Constitution with the exception of the repayment of out of pocket expenses and duty tour allowances and may be approved from time to time.

(5) Where in the event of winding up or dissolution of the Association there remains, after the

satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any money or property whatsoever, the same shall be paid to or distributed among the members of the Association while the ownership of all landed properties shall be transferred to the NYSC Headquarters, Abuja.

(6) No addition, alternation or amendment shall be made to or added in this Constitution for

the time being in force, unless the same have been previously submitted to and approved by the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission.

58. Amendments to the provisions of this Constitution

(1) This Constitution may be amended by a resolution passed by at least two thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting/Assembly.

(2) The notice of the General Meeting must include details of the resolution, setting out the terms of the alteration/amendment.

(3) Such alterations/amendment shall only be effective on the written approval of the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja.

(4) Amendment of the constitution may be proposed by a member in a general meeting or the

Executive Council. 59. Repeal and Saving Provision

Page 23 of 23

(1) The Constitution of the Association adopted in the year …………….is hereby repealed.

(2) Without prejudice to section 6 of the Interpretation Act, the repeal of the Constitution specified in paragraph (1) of this Article, shall not affect anything done under or pursuant to the said Constitution.

60. Interpretation

(1) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms and expressions

shall have the following meanings– “BOT” means Board of Trustees; “CAC” means Corporate Affairs Commission; “NGO” means Non – Governmental Organisation; “NYSC” means National Youth Service Scheme; “PNHA” means President‟s NYSC Honours Awardee;

(2) In cases of doubt, the interpretation of any section of the Constitution shall be made by the General Assembly of the Association.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS ……. DAY OF JULY, 2019 …………………………….. …………………………….. CHAIRMAN, CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE LEGAL ADVISER …………………………….. …………………………….. SECRETARY GENERAL PRESIDENT