Encomium
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme which is targeted at promoting cultural integration and fostering of unity among Nigerians has now taken another dimension. The NYSC mobilization authority has given prospective corp members the opportunity to make choice of where they wish to serve their fatherland.
This choice is in four (4) categories, as prospective corp member are allowed to choose four (4) states from the six (6) geo-political zones which include: North central (Niger, Nassarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, FCT), North east (Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba), Northwest (Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kastina, Jigawa), south east (Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi), south west (Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun) and south south (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rriver, Rivers, Delta, Edo).
However, criticisms have been trailing the development as most people believe the purpose of one year compulsory scheme (with corpers paid N19,800 per month) has been defeated.
It is assumed that the new development may leave some states under Boko Haram insurgents’ attack deserted as prospective corp members will drift away from them.
ENCOMIUM Weekly sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on whether NYSC should be scraped and if they would allow their children to serve in the volatile part of the country.
SULAIMON
Should NYSC be scrapped?
It shouldn’t be scrapped. Why should they even do that? This NYSC programme makes graduates to mix well with each other. A lot of opportunities come out of their coming together, like marriage, job opportunities and some other things.
Can you allow your child to serve in the North?
I would allow my child to serve anywhere because I believe God will watch over him. If any evil will befall anybody, it doesn’t matter where such person is.
MRS. AJEWOLE
Should NYSC be scrapped?
Though, graduates commit a lot of atrocities while in camp, I don’t still think NYSC should be scrapped. There is nothing wrong with the programme.
Can you allow your child serve in the North?
I can never allow my children to serve in the north with all that is happening now.
MRS. AYORINDE
Should NYSC be scrapped?
What will they substitute for it if eventually they scrap it? People from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, religion are being oriented through this programme. It won’t be good enough if they should scrap it.
Can you allow your child to serve in the North?
I can allow my child to serve in the north when the country was at peace not now.
MRS. OLABANJI
Should NYSC be scrapped?
NYSC shouldn’t be scrapped because it helps our graduates a lot some start their own petty business with the allowance given to them during service and they are doing fine.
Can you allow your child to serve in the North?
I can’t allow my child to serve in the north. He would rather not go for service at all.
OLUOKUN
Should NYSC be scrapped?
I believe NYSC is a good innovation. It should not be scrapped.
Can you allow your child to serve in the North?
I can allow my child to serve in the north as far as it’s not Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Niger States.
DAVID
Should NYSC be scrapped?
I don’t think NYSC should be scrapped but what I know is that NYSC needs re-orientation because of the event that happened last week. A corper, one Gbadamosi Mayowa who bragged on Instagram about him sleeping with students in the secondary school he was posted to. Things like that should not be tolerated. May be they (corpers) are not being properly orientated about things like that. It so saddening.
Can you allow your child to serve in the North?
North is a good place but it’s not save because of what is happening right now over there. I can’t allow my child to go there.
- SHUKURAT ALIMI and KAREEM ASEEZAT
