Established by Yakubu Gowon in 1973 to foster national unity, integration, and development after the Nigerian Civil War, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a program that requires Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 to serve for one year in a state other than their state of origin. The program has been severely criticized over the years, with some people arguing that it is a waste of time, while others believe it is a valuable experience.
I want to give you a detailed analysis of both perspectives so that you can form your own opinion.
Disadvantages of NYSC
- Underutilization of Skills:
- Many graduates are deployed to roles or organizations that do not align with their academic qualifications or career aspirations. This can lead to frustration and a sense of wasted potential.
- Some corps members are assigned to menial tasks that do not contribute to their professional growth.
- Poor Welfare and Allowances:
- The monthly stipend (allowee) paid to corps members is often considered insufficient, especially given the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
- In some cases, corps members face challenges such as delayed payments, poor accommodation, and inadequate healthcare support.
- Security Concerns:
- Corps members are sometimes posted to regions with security challenges, such as areas affected by insurgency, banditry, or communal clashes. This raises concerns about their safety and well-being.
- There have been instances of corps members being kidnapped or harmed during their service year.
- Lack of Impactful Assignments:
- Some argue that the program does not effectively contribute to national development, as many corps members are not given meaningful tasks that address critical societal needs.
- In some host organizations, corps members are underutilized or treated as free labor without opportunities for meaningful contribution.
- Opportunity Cost:
- The one-year service period is seen by some as a delay in starting their careers or pursuing further education. For those with job offers or entrepreneurial ambitions, the mandatory service year can feel like a setback.
- Bureaucratic Challenges:
- The NYSC process can be plagued by inefficiencies, such as delays in mobilization, issuance of certificates, and resolution of issues during the service year.
Disadvantages of NYSC
- National Unity and Integration:
- NYSC provides an opportunity for young Nigerians to interact with people from different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. This fosters understanding, tolerance, and national unity.
- Corps members often gain a deeper appreciation for Nigeria’s diversity and develop lifelong friendships.
- Skill Development and Experience:
- The program offers opportunities for corps members to gain work experience, develop soft skills, and build professional networks.
- Some corps members are posted to organizations where they acquire valuable skills that enhance their employability.
- Community Development:
- Through the Community Development Service (CDS), corps members initiate and execute projects that address local needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- These projects can have a lasting impact on host communities and provide corps members with a sense of fulfillment.
- Exposure to New Environments:
- Living and working in a new state exposes corps members to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This broadens their perspectives and makes them more adaptable.
- For many, it is their first time living independently, which helps them develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Employment Opportunities:
- The NYSC certificate is a requirement for employment in many government and private sector jobs in Nigeria. Completing the program opens doors to career opportunities.
- Some corps members secure permanent employment in their places of primary assignment (PPA) or through connections made during the service year.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities:
- The NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program equips corps members with entrepreneurial skills and encourages them to start their own businesses.
- Some corps members have successfully launched businesses during or after their service year.
- Personal Growth:
- The challenges and experiences of the service year often lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and increased confidence.
- Corps members learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, manage resources, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Is NYSC a Waste of Time? It Depends.
Ushie Uguamaye, the corps member had recently gone viral after posting a video on TikTok where she lamented the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership.
Whether NYSC is a waste of time largely depends on individual experiences, expectations, and perspectives. For some, it is a transformative experience that fosters personal and professional growth. For others, it may feel like a frustrating and unproductive year due to poor postings, inadequate support, or unmet expectations.
Recommendations for Improving NYSC
To address the criticisms and enhance the value of the program, the following improvements could be considered:
- Better Deployment and Utilization:
- Corps members should be assigned to roles that align with their skills and career goals.
- Host organizations should provide meaningful tasks and opportunities for professional development.
- Improved Welfare and Security:
- Increase the monthly allowance to reflect current economic realities.
- Provide better accommodation, healthcare, and security for corps members, especially in high-risk areas.
- Enhanced Skill Development:
- Expand the SAED program and provide more resources for corps members to acquire marketable skills.
- Partner with private sector organizations to offer internships and training opportunities.
- Streamlined Processes:
- Address bureaucratic inefficiencies to ensure timely mobilization, deployment, and issuance of certificates.
- Provide better support for corps members facing challenges during their service year.
- Focus on National Development:
- Align NYSC projects with national development goals, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Encourage corps members to work on initiatives that have a lasting impact on their host communities.
Conclusion
NYSC is a program with both strengths and weaknesses. While it has its challenges, it also offers unique opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and national service. Whether it is a waste of time or a valuable experience depends on how the program is implemented and the individual’s approach to making the most of the year. With reforms and improvements, NYSC has the potential to be a more impactful and rewarding experience for Nigerian graduates.
