Here in Nigeria, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is the mandatory service for all graduates from the tertiary institution. It's a scheme designed to qualify Nigerian youth for employment in both governmental and private establishments after the one-year service. That's to say, after the successful completion of the one-year mandatory service, you will be issued a certificate that you can use to apply for job offers. It's interesting to know that without this certificate, some establishment wouldn't accept to grant one a job offer. That's how important this program is in my country.
This program usually lasts for one year with 3 weeks of camping by all Corp members, where they will receive military training, usually hectic but fun as well, before being posted to different establishments for their primary assignment. It is worthy to note that while this program is compulsory, those who have crossed the age bracket of 30 years are not permitted to enroll in the program but apply for an exemption certificate, which is quite valid.
One important thing I love about this program is that it promotes national unity. This is achieved by posting graduates to states other than their own states. When you find yourself in another state, learning their culture becomes inevitable. Now, the fun part of it is that lots of graduates from different states are being posted together in a particular state for the period of the service year. This program indeed encourages the young graduates to experience diverse cultures in their country. How interesting it is having experiences and connecting with friends!
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| The purpose of the scheme is just too good to be scrapped, and I will tell you why... |
The Nysc program has impacted our nation over the years. The purpose of this program is for the young Nigerian to contribute to the development of our country by offering different services within their service years. Some people posted in rural areas serve in schools, impacting knowledge to the pupils. Some serve in the health department, offering services to patients. Some serve in the road safety department and so on, rendering services and gaining experience as well.
While I was serving my country in the year 2017, I was made to teach the secondary school students about sex education, HIV/AIDS, STDs, and more topics related to health every Thursday. This was in addition to where I was posted, and without all these services, I wouldn't be cleared for the month in the local government, and that could affect both my monthly allowance from the government and my certificate if care is not taken. So indirectly, this the program forces the youth to be patriotic citizens.
The program also has a powerful package while in the camp, as the government pays for varieties of skills for the young Nigerians to learn for free. This particular initiative is called SAED. A lot of us grabbed different skills at the camp through NYSC, after which we went outside to perfect the skills. It became a good starting point for some youth who find skill acquisition important.
Another interesting benefit of this program is how it helps to position young graduates to secure permanent job offers. A lot of people who are diligent with their primary assignment are being retained in the some establishment. A lot of people also get connections during the service year for a better offer. The allowance paid by the government and the firm you are being posted is a bit motivating for fresh starters.
In summary, I think that this program shouldn't be scrapped due to the numerous benefits of it among Nigerian youths. The only thing is that the government should endeavor to consider insecurity issues while posting these graduates to avoid losing their lives carelessly like it has happened in the past.
This is my response to the #hivelearners community contest on the topic titled, Mandatory Service.
All images are mine!!
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