The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in May, 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) to promote national integration after the civil war. Today marks its 50-year anniversary, and we congratulate its administration, staff, and all Nigerians who have participated in the one-year mandatory programme for graduates of tertiary institutions. Over the past five decades, the scheme has remained committed and become a vital agency of national integration among our institutions.
\nThe NYSC has played a crucial role in our country\u2019s development by providing quality manpower to less privileged states. This has been achieved through various partnerships with other organisations. These partnerships include using corps members for enumeration work during the national population census. They also include presiding officers during national elections, and deployment for routine immunisation. These contributions have positively impacted the country\u2019s development.
\nAlso, the health sector has benefited greatly from the scheme. This has successfully reversed the spread of HIV\/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19 through awareness campaigns and public education on prevention and care. The service has also made vital impacts in other areas such as education, legal aid services, anti-corruption efforts, road safety awareness, and campaigns against drug abuse and human trafficking.
\nGowon\u2019s administration established a quasi-military plan for Nigerian university graduates to learn about their country\u2019s people, history, culture, and geography. The scheme was initially opened to graduates under 30 with degrees from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Specifically, those with BA\/BSc, HND, and NCE were mobilised. Prospective corps members were assigned to states other than their origin.
\nThe orientation included military and citizenship training, as well as lectures on Nigerian culture. Entrepreneurship training was added later. Following the one-month orientation, participants were assigned to their primary postings based on their qualifications. Medical doctors assigned to hospitals and other health facilities, engineers to construction firms and the Ministry of Works, and teachers to schools.
\nCorps members were assigned to universities, polytechnics, and education colleges. University and polytechnic graduates received N200 monthly allowance, while college of education graduates received N160. However, after NCE holders expressed their grievances over the discrimination, they were no longer eligible for the scheme after the 1984\/85 service year. Hence, only HND and university graduates were recruited for the mandatory one-year service.
\nThe programme facilitated the cohabitation of Nigerian youths from varying tribes and ethnicities, effectively eradicating prejudices and stereotypes towards different regions of the country. The NYSC initiative played a part in mitigating the war aftermath and fostering national unity among Nigerians. In addition to intertwining inter-ethnic relationships, it also brought about several inter-ethnic marriages and novel friendships.
\nIt facilitates a sense of national identity among Nigerian citizens, transcending their ethnic and religious backgrounds. Prospective corps members expressed satisfaction at being appointed to serve in any given state. They similarly demonstrated patriotism by embracing their designated primary assignment place.
\nHowever, since the NYSC has been around for 50 years, it is essential to evaluate its implementation to determine its future. As with any intervention initiative, scheme or programme, the agency\u2019s continued existence, modification, or outright scrapping should be considered. A thorough appraisal of the NYSC\u2019s impact, benefits, and challenges will provide insight into its effectiveness and relevance in today\u2019s society.
\nIt is pertinent to recognise recent obstacles that have hindered the service, diminished its attractiveness, and undermined its purpose. Only 5.7 million Nigerians have participated so far, which highlights individuals evading responsibilities in a country where many graduate from tertiary institutions yearly. Some continue to question the programme\u2019s value, and a bill proposed two years ago to terminate the initiative passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
\nWhile we support the NYSC ideals, we believe reform is necessary to align with current requirements. Our proposed reform focuses on security, funding, branding, content, and structure. It also focuses on major milestones in corps members\u2019 lives such as mobilisation, orientation, primary assignments, community development, and passing out.
\nManagement should prioritise sorting out deployment issues to assist urgent national needs. This will lead to better manpower deployment, enhanced contribution to national development, improved self-esteem of corps members, no rejecting or underutilisation, and ultimately restore the spirit of public service.
\nIt is a fact that corps members are sometimes discriminated against in postings to states and places of primary assignment. This discrimination is often based on their tribe and religion. That must be checked. Furthermore, the remuneration of N33,000 provided to a corpes member is inadequate when converted into its US dollar equivalent. This is therefore insufficient to meet the monthly expenses of a \u2018corper\u2019. It is recommended that President Muhammadu Buhari endorse the reviewed allowance awaiting his approval before leaving office.
\nFifty years after its inception, Nigerian unity has diminished. The country is now more divided than when the scheme was launched. In the 2023 general election, individuals were openly disenfranchised in some states because of their ethnic identities. Without immediate action to prevent further division, Nigeria\u2019s political landscape will only become more divisive.
\nAs the NYSC celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is necessary to remember corps members who have lost their lives or suffered permanent injuries during their service. Despite challenges, the programme has been a huge success in Nigeria. To address financial hurdles, the trust fund bill has been approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives. Swift endorsement of the bill will promote youth empowerment and bridge the deficit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in May, 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) to promote national integration after the civil war. Today marks its 50-year anniversary, and we congratulate its administration, staff, and all Nigerians who have participated in the one-year mandatory programme for graduates of tertiary institutions. Over the past five […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":202985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n