Should the NYSC Stay Or Be Scrapped?

Should the NYSC Stay Or Be Scrapped?

Faith Olaniran
7 July 2011

opinion
Fut Minna — Since the killing of some corps members during the ethno-religious crisis in Jos in 2009, there have been calls from several quarters for a review of the NYSC. The post election violence, once again brought the issue to the fore, provoking questions about its relevance.

The attack and eventual killing of some corps members who were recruited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ad-hoc staff by irate youths protesting the result of the presidential election, the kidnap of five corps members in Rivers State and the alleged rape of a corps member in Osun State, have led to fresh calls for abolition of the scheme which seeks to promote national unity.

While some fancy the idea of reviewing the scheme, a few others are calling for its outright abolition. Students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State, who were just mobilized into the scheme and have been posted to different parts of the country expressed their views.

Rebecca Ajani, a graduate of Agric Economics posted to Nasarawa feels that the scheme should not be scrapped but Borno State should be excluded from the scheme as was done to Bauchi State. She noted that most youths posted to the Northern states are confused.

Mary Olorunleke read Animal Production and was posted to Plateau State. She said Nigerians should co-operate to keep the vision of the scheme alive. She called on governments of the various states where corps members are posted to provide accommodation and job opportunities for them.

Dolapo Owoeye, a graduate of Biochemistry posted to Ondo State wants the scheme to still be in place but with better security. Owoeye cited the bomb blast at the police headquarters in Abuja asking: "Who will guard the guards at this time?"

Tosan Igbogbo who was posted to Lagos State said the scheme should not be scrapped as she has always looked forward to it. Igbogbo said scrapping the NYSC would be like abolishing a complete educational system. She called on the Federal Government to increase the allowance and tackle security breaches.

Edith Ukpebor, who was posted to Nasarawa said the scheme has not achieved its purpose as youths still go back to the streets seeking jobs because they are not absorbed in their places of primary assignment. Ukpebor said the money used to finance the scheme should be invested in job creation and sustenance of the economy.

Seun Ojelade who read Quantity Surveying and is posted to Delta State said the main concept of the scheme was good but should be scrapped in the interest of national peace.

Godwin Ilalokhoin, a graduate of Electrical Engineering posted to Kwara State said the scheme should be reformed with the introduction of an insurance scheme covering all serving crops members.