I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. This is a painful suggestion for me to make, but I must say it – the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme should be scrapped. It has outlived its usefulness.
I personally had a great experience during my NYSC service in 1985, from the orientation camp at Alvan Ikoku College of Education to my posting at a local government health office. Those years shaped me. I became a Christian in Aba, had all my children there, and developed my philosophies on life. However, if the purpose of something is not well-defined or refined to meet generational needs, abuse is inevitable.
The Original Purpose of NYSC
The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by Major General Yakubu Gowon, three years after the Civil War. It was meant to foster reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, very little has been achieved in these areas. Since 1970, the Igbo people have felt more alienated than ever, facing discrimination and increasing agitation for separation. While I do not support breaking up Nigeria, I do support restructuring the country and realigning our mindset.
Even in reconstruction, progress has been minimal. Until recently, in parts of Umuahia, one could still see bullet holes from the Civil War. Many roads in the East remain in terrible condition. The Igbo people, given only £20 after the war, have built a thriving economy through sheer determination, enterprise, and resilience. But that phase in Nigeria’s history is over, and the NYSC is no longer relevant to our current economic and security realities.
Economic Realities and Hardships for Corps Members
A corps member currently serving in a southwestern state recently shared his experience with me. He is about to complete his service and is already indebted to the tune of ₦300,000. The ₦33,000 monthly allowance is simply not enough to survive. Parents now send more money to their children during NYSC than they did when paying school fees.
The economic situation has changed drastically. Companies are struggling to pay even their full-time employees, let alone accommodate corps members. In many cases, NYSC officials collude with employers to mistreat corps members. The system has become corrupt, and many corps members are suffering. Some female corps members, out of desperation, engage in hookup culture just to meet basic needs.
Security Risks and Dangers to Corps Members
The security situation in Nigeria has worsened. During my service year, I could travel freely around the East, visiting places like Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the country. Today, that is no longer possible. Between Lagos and Benin, it is reported that there are about 55 kidnapping camps. The Abuja-Kaduna road is unsafe. The NYSC itself has admitted that it cannot guarantee the safety of corps members. Why should we continue sending our children into danger?
A Better Use for NYSC Funds
Instead of wasting money on an outdated scheme, we should use these resources to set up industries that can employ graduates. The current economic climate makes NYSC an unnecessary burden. We are an economy plagued by debt, a high budget deficit, and a small elite enjoying the nation’s wealth while the masses suffer. Rather than putting young graduates through unnecessary hardship, let’s channel the funds into industrial development to create employment opportunities.
The United States, under Donald Trump, scrapped several money-draining institutions. Nigeria should follow suit and scrap NYSC. It is a painful but necessary step we must take now—tomorrow is too far.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please share your opinions below, and let’s keep the discussion civil.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
God bless you!
