Nigerian broadcaster and event host Chiwete Onyema, better known as “Voice of the City,” has expressed his view that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has not fulfilled its original objective of fostering unity among Nigerians.
Onyema shared his thoughts during a discussion on News Central TV’s Jasiri show on Friday.
Reflecting on the scheme, Onyema said:
“I think the concept of NYSC didn’t serve its purpose. Yes, we understand that in 1973, after the civil war, it was meant to ensure that Nigeria was united, but I don’t think that is what it is now. Are we really united?”
Onyema recounted his personal experience during his NYSC year, which highlighted the challenges of favouritism and lack of merit-based decisions.
As a geology graduate, he was optimistic about securing a placement at the Ministry of Mines. Initially, officials assured him that his qualifications made him a strong candidate. However, the final decision took an unexpected turn when personal connections influenced the process.
The broadcaster described how a supervisor, upon discovering that another candidate hailed from the same region and shared ties with a local king, changed the outcome. Despite earlier assurances, Onyema was rejected, leaving him disillusioned.
“It wasn’t about merit anymore,” he remarked. “I probably thought maybe I wasn’t good enough, but they categorically said they would pick based on merit. Why did that happen?”
Onyema’s account sheds light on the broader issues facing the NYSC, which was established in 1973 to promote national integration following Nigeria’s civil war. He questioned whether the programme still serves its intended purpose, given the persistent divisions and challenges in fostering unity across the country.
A Brief History of the NYSC
The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973 during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon.
Created in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the scheme aimed to promote national reconciliation, reconstruction, and unity. Decree No. 24 of 1973 formally established the NYSC, emphasising the development of common ties among Nigerian youths and the promotion of understanding across ethnic and regional divides.
The NYSC is a compulsory one-year programme for graduates of Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Participants, known as corps members or “corpers,” are deployed to states outside their region of origin to experience different cultures and contribute to community development.
The service year includes:
1. Orientation Camp: A three-week regimented induction programme where participants are introduced to the scheme and their posting.
2. Place of Primary Assignment (PPA): Corps members work full-time in their assigned role, often in education, healthcare, or public service.
3. Community Development Service (CDS): A weekly initiative where corps members engage in projects to improve local communities.
The NYSC also provides corps members with a monthly allowance, recently increased to ₦77,000 following a rise in the national minimum wage.
Objectives of the NYSC
Outlined in the 1993 Decree No. 51, the NYSC’s objectives include:
– Promoting discipline, patriotism, and self-reliance among Nigerian youths.
– Encouraging inter-ethnic understanding and reducing ignorance and prejudice.
– Facilitating the free movement of labour and skills across the country.
– Contributing to national economic growth through youth engagement.
Criticisms of the Scheme
Despite its noble intentions, the NYSC has faced criticism over the years. Key issues include:
– Security Risks: Corps members have been victims of violence during ethnic, political, or religious conflicts in their assigned regions.
– Lack of Relevance: Many Nigerians question whether the scheme still serves its purpose, with some calling for its abolition.
– Favouritism and Corruption: Instances like Onyema’s experience highlight issues of nepotism and lack of fairness in placements.
In recent years, debates about scrapping the NYSC have gained momentum. Critics argue that the risks and challenges outweigh the benefits, while proponents insist the scheme remains vital for fostering unity and providing opportunities for Nigerian youths.
