NYSC @ 5O: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year mandatory program for all Nigerian graduates who have completed their tertiary education. It was established in Nigeria on May 22, 1973, as a way to foster national unity and integration, and to instill in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community. As the NYSC marks its 50th anniversary, here’s a summary of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the program over the years:

The Good:

• The NYSC has been promoting national unity and integration by bringing together youths from different parts of the country to live and work together in different parts of the country.
• The program has given many Nigerian graduates the opportunity to gain work experience, develop their skills, and make valuable connections in their fields.
• NYSC has contributed significantly to national development by providing skilled manpower to communities that lack them, especially in rural areas.
• The program has helped to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by giving young people from less privileged backgrounds the opportunity to serve and work alongside those from more privileged backgrounds.
• NYSC has also contributed to Nigeria’s cultural diversity by exposing youths to different cultures and traditions across the country.

The Bad:

• The NYSC program has faced several challenges over the years, including inadequate funding, poor living conditions, and security concerns in some parts of the country.
• The program has also been criticized for not providing adequate protection for corps members, who have been victims of violent attacks, accidents, and other forms of harm during their service year.
• There have also been cases of corruption and fraud within the program, with some officials embezzling funds meant for the welfare of corps members.

The Ugly:

• The NYSC program has been marred by several tragic incidents over the years, including the death of corps members due to various causes such as road accidents, communal clashes, and illnesses.
• Some corps members have also been victims of violence, including sexual harassment and assault, during their service year.

Overall, the NYSC program has had its share of successes and challenges over the years. While it has contributed to national unity, development, and cultural diversity, there is still room for improvement in terms of addressing the program’s shortcomings, ensuring the safety and welfare of corps members, and providing a more enabling environment for Nigerian youths to thrive and contribute to national development.