"The purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian Youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background. The history of our country since independence has clearly indicated the need for unity amongst all our people, and demonstrated the fact that no cultural or geographical entity can exist in isolation”
The National Youth Service Corps was instituted by a decree in May 1973, to fulfill all of the above and more. Today that vision has changed but it seems that the government of the Federal republic of Nigeria has not yet recognized this.
Nigeria’s federal and state (excluding the private institutions) educational system is not exactly a bed of roses which is why to most undergraduates, going for NYSC is like a punishment. The journey to the ivory towers is tortuous, with most students writing JAMB a minimum of 3 times before securing admission. Nigeria is also one that changes the destinies of its children’s educational future. Otherwise how else does one explain children with dreams of becoming pilots being made to study philosophy or those who dreamt of becoming Lawyers finally managing to gain admission to study Physical education? Finally once you manage to do this, you learn under unpalatable circumstances, schools with no books, draconian lecturers, overcrowded and stuffy classes etc.
Back to the issue of NYSC, once a student has managed to graduate he is required by law to undergo this sham of a programme for one year. It is not bad enough that he will be asked to survive a bit of hardship; the unspoken part of his contract says he may also not come back alive.
In the past few weeks, Nigerians have witnessed the most unprecedented number of corps members murders in recent times. These killings have taken place as a sacrifice for democracy as the youths were killed in the line of duty. However, what place has NYSC a paramilitary programme instituted by a decree in a democratic society? At best the programme should be optional; some people find it fun and enjoyable and may choose to continue with it. Majority of Nigerian youths do not need NYSC to toughen them, the circumstances and their environment has done so already.
Nigeria is not yet a country to die for and this is the cold hard truth. It is even worse to die for our leaders, no Nigerian should die for this country yet because the country has a lot to prove, the country has a lot to do for us. Some of our leaders do not even feel for the corpers, going by what the Bauchi governor said, the corps member only met with destiny implying that the killings were an act of God!
I watch with pride when the US citizens say they can die for their country, their country has done a lot for them and given them hope and sustained them. Be it healthcare, education, job creation, they have a country that will back them wherever they are. What has our country given to us, Insecurity, corruption, bad roads, no power and a disrespected green passport?
I watch with pride when the US citizens say they can die for their country, their country has done a lot for them and given them hope and sustained them. Be it healthcare, education, job creation, they have a country that will back them wherever they are. What has our country given to us, Insecurity, corruption, bad roads, no power and a disrespected green passport?
The elected who are in line for new terms come May 29 should remember that they are there at a supreme cost; so many young people have lost their lives that they may enjoy exalted positions. Nigerians are waiting and watching, a stance to be feared.
Finally it is sad to note that Nigeria has no plans for its youth, Nigeria has no love or regard for its youth. How else can you explain the fact that after giving its youths a shabby education, changing their bright plans for their lives, it sends its youths, compulsorily on roads which are death traps to dwell in states which are hell holes, for a pittance?
In memory of the slain youth Corps members during the April post- election violence,
D.O.T writes from Lagos.
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pls! someone should tell FG to remove this programme!!!!
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