NYSC; what is the payment meant for?
The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) was established immediately after the Nigerian Civil War to foster unity and cohesion among Nigerians. By posting people to serve in different parts of the country, it helped them to know new places, socialize, meet and interact with new people. This to a large extent help form unity in diversity. A lot of destinies were greatly impacted. In fact, a lot of people secured employment, while others met life partners in the course service. So to a large extent, one may say it has achieved the purpose for which it was created.
In recent times however, there has been heated calls for a rethink into the NYSC scheme. These are not unjustified calls. The NYSC scheme today, has been bastardized. People now 'work' where they want to be posted to for service. For the right amount, you get posted to the right place. Thus, making rubbish of the intent for which it was created. Similarly, the grave security challenges in the country has made people lose interest in the scheme. A lot of Youth corp members have been caught in the web of ethnic, religious and political crises in different part of Nigeria. Most of them cut short in their prime all in the name of serving fatherland. This, has made parent to cut corners to ensure that their children or wards are not posted to areas where early deaths await them.
These and many other reasons made Nigerians to call for the scrap of the scheme; arguing that it is no longer useful considering reality on ground. Others have countered arguing the contrary that it should be retained. However, one must confess that the NYSC has outlived its usefulness. The enthusiasm of young graduates to serve their fatherland has died a natural death. Who would want to participate in the scheme, when he barely knows what he'll face in his place f primary assignment? Majority of youth corp members are rejected by establishments when posted, thus making a lot of them roam the streets begging people to accept them. This is certainly not what those who designed the scheme had in mind. Also, most corp members do not have a place to stay or lay their heads in their place of primary assignment. Most of them face a lot of hardship when trying to settle down. How then do we expect a man who is homeless think of cohesion and fraternity with a community that has refused to provide bed for him to sleep on? We seriously need to revisit this scheme and if possible scrap it.
Considering the challenges faced by youth corp members therefore, and with the pittance paid to them, one is therefore shocked beyond redemption on why the NYSC is asking prospective corp members to pay the amount of N4,000 before they can print their call up letters. This is a grave extortion that Nigerians must not overlook or sweep under the carpet. I want to ask certain questions on this N4000 thing; what is the payment meant for? Whose account is the money going into? Has the government become so broke that it can no longer sustain the scheme? if government can no longer maintain the scheme, why not just scrap it! Why are we asking students and fresh graduates to sustain the scheme directly or indirectly?
I call on all those concerned and well meaning Nigerians to intervene forthwith and stop this extortion in the interest of justice. President Goodluck Jonathan should call the Director General of the NYSC to order.
If this exploitation and extortion is allowed to stay, prospective corp members will have no choice than carry their destiny in their hands.
God bless Nigeria.
Frank Ijege
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