The NYSC paradox: A scheme in need of urgent reform
The recent suggestion by the Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, to restructure the NYSC into a revenue-generating agency, while well-intentioned, may not be the most effective solution.
Instead, we argue that a radical review of the scheme is necessary to address its inherent challenges and ensure it remains a vital tool for national development.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, introduced over 50 years ago, was designed to promote national unity, foster social cohesion, and provide young Nigerians with valuable skills and experiences.
However, over the years, the scheme has undergone significant transformations, and current realities have raised questions about its relevance, funding, and effectiveness.
But, it is very important to revisit its founding principles and re-evaluate its purpose. Established in 1973 by Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC was designed to promote national unity, reconciliation, and reconstruction in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
The scheme aimed to instill a culture of national service among youth, fostering integration and understanding through a year-long service period.
Over the years, the NYSC has made significant contributions to national development, providing essential services in areas such as healthcare, education, and social work.
Corps members have also had the opportunity to interact with diverse ethnic nationalities and communities, fostering national integration.
Some have even chosen to remain in their assigned communities after their service year, leading to inter-ethnic marriages and further solidifying national unity.
However, recent discussions have raised questions about the scheme’s relevance, with some calling for reform or abolition.
A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, has proposed a sensible solution: drastically reducing the number of participants and making participation voluntary.
This approach acknowledges the challenges facing the program, including the large number of qualified participants, security concerns, and the reluctance of states and private sector employers to utilise corps members’ services during the service year.
Rather than abandoning the NYSC or transforming it into a revenue-generating agency, we must refocus on its founding principles and reform the scheme to meet the needs of modern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, by streamlining the program and making participation voluntary, we can ensure that the NYSC remains a vital tool for national development, promoting national unity and social cohesion.
We must not lose sight of the NYSC’s original objectives, which were never about generating revenue but about fostering national unity and promoting social integration.
Let us reinvigorate the NYSC to meet the challenges of our time and ensure that it continues to serve as a beacon of national unity and progress for generations to come.
Regrettably, NYSC, once a beacon of national unity and progress, has lost its lustre. Corruption and nepotism have eroded its foundation, with many participants resorting to bribery or influence to secure preferred postings.
The scheme’s expansion, from 700 participants in 1973 to thousands today, has become unsustainable. With 170 universities producing 600,000 graduates annually, the NYSC’s original purpose is no longer viable.
The Nigerian state has evolved, and new priorities have emerged. Advances in communication, social mobility, and education have rendered the “national unity” mantra obsolete.
The Federal Government struggles to fund the scheme, while youth and their families bear the burden. Many have lost their lives on treacherous roads while commuting to service locations, while others have fallen victim to brutality, abuse, and killings.
The recent election cycle saw 21 reported cases of corps members being attacked.
It is time to re-evaluate the NYSC’s relevance and reform it to address modern challenges. We must acknowledge the scheme’s limitations and explore innovative solutions to harness the energy and potential of our youth.
The status quo is no longer tenable; we owe it to ourselves and future generations to revitalize the NYSC and make it a truly transformative experience for all participants.
In the riots that accompanied the 2011 presidential elections, corps members were deliberately targeted because they were non-indigenes.
As we navigate the complexities of national development, it is essential to ground our policies in realism and periodically reassess their effectiveness. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a case in point.
Given the current realities, it is prudent to transition the NYSC to a strictly voluntary program, with a limited annual intake of 25,000-30,000 participants in a single batch.
This approach draws inspiration from successful models like Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and the United States Peace Corps, which have made significant contributions to global development over the past 62 years.
Also targeting participants with specialised skills and aligning them with the specific needs of federal and state governments, we can maximise the NYSC’s impact.
Voluntarism will not only ensure a more motivated and dedicated corps but also reduce the financial burden on the government.
Moreover, it will allow for a more focused and efficient deployment of resources, yielding greater benefits for the nation.
In a rapidly changing world, adapting and refining our policies to address emerging challenges is crucial.
Making the NYSC voluntary and more targeted can revitalise this iconic program, unlocking the full potential of our youth to drive national progress.
