What NYSC means to us, by outgoing ‘corpers’

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established for a variety of reasons, amongst which is to further unite the nation. However, the relevance of the scheme has sometimes been criticized by some Nigerians. Daily Trust asked some corps members what it means to them. Otunba Mbarachi Chukwuebuka, 29, Abuja (Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), […]

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established for a variety of reasons, amongst which is to further unite the nation. However, the relevance of the scheme has sometimes been criticized by some Nigerians. Daily Trust asked some corps members what it means to them.

Otunba Mbarachi Chukwuebuka, 29, Abuja (Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), 99.9 Kiss FM)

I see the NYSC as a scheme aimed at uniting young minds with various ideologies, schools of thought, families and climes. However, it’s a failed project that needs to be scrapped because it has outlived its value over time. It has been mismanaged and exposes youths to death, sexual misconduct and so on. Despite the reason it was created in 1973, to serve as a uniting factor for reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, its odds are now more than its gains. I beseech our law makers to review this scheme. If it has to continue then the condition should be favorable or it should be scrapped.

Shemsia Umar, 25, Adamawa

The National Youth Service is an opportunity for one to discover hidden talents and also build your survival instincts. It has helped many youths, including me, to learn about things they had no idea about and make new friends. It promotes cultural integration and is a scheme everyone should take advantage of because it comes once in a lifetime.

Innocent Micheal, 24, Nasarawa

The scheme is very stressful. It’s like a distraction or a diversion for many youths. For example, before I went for Service I made more than N50,000 in my shop, had openings in consultancy work and so on. There was no limit to my travels. Now, I am only limited to the local government I was posted to. I earn N19, 000 when I have bills to pay. I am supposed to take care of myself, my spouse and younger siblings. The money can’t meet half of my needs, and if I try to break out, my stay will be extended.
There are many youths out there like me and I have chatted with them. If at the end of the day there is a promising job after Service, it would have been interesting. But there isn’t. This means after a wasteful year, you go back to your base with nothing and start from the scratch. At this point, you would have lost your clients. If only the government can increase the pay or assure us of jobs after NYSC, then it would be better.

Jejeola Martins, 26, Abuja (PPA, National Hospital)

I see it as a platform created to help unite ethnic/religious groups in Nigeria. It’s basically to promote unity, but to be candid, most people don’t see it as that any longer. So far so good, I have met people with great minds and of different ethnicities. However, the government needs to make the scheme more relevant by restructuring it. Some NYSC members are just used to cover up in some organizations and after the service year, they are left unemployed.

Peter Comfort, 23, Kaduna (PPA, Kaduna Polytechnic)

National Service for me is just a means of changing environment, meeting new people, learning about a new culture and rendering assistance in my place of primary assignment. At a point, I had regrets about the scheme, but when I remember the N19,800, I had to forge ahead. If I was home, I am sure there wouldn’t have been a job yet. So, it’s worth it but I wish the money was more. We deserve better treatment as Nigerian graduates. I wish the government can increase the allowance so someone like me can enjoy the scheme.

Godwin Evans Chukwu, 28, Abuja (PPA, Silverbird TV)

To me it’s just one of those rituals you must perform as a Nigerian graduate. It is sacrosanct, so here I am performing my own ritual. I think it’s mandatory because Nigeria doesn’t really have plans for fresh graduates, so they created a means to engage them for a year before letting them go. Now, many people see the process as boring. I had to serve because it will come handy when I seek for employment. If not for this reason, many people wouldn’t be part of it. If it is not improved on, it will remain boring.

Desmond Austin Amanyi, 30, Nasarawa (PPA, News Agency of Nigeria)

Youth Service for me is a phase of life which is mandatory for Nigerian graduates. It’s a platform to learn new things and be useful to the society at large. It’s also an avenue to boost our skills and manpower, our intellectual capabilities and to promote and showcase our talents. It’s a means to share the knowledge acquired during our undergraduate program. The scheme is fun and should be taken seriously. It has made a positive impact on my life because the level I was a year ago is not where I am today. With the scheme, I have been able to meet people of great repute. Thanks to where I am (NAN), I have been able to practice my profession (Journalism). Gradually, I am learning the ropes and it has been good thus far.