NYSC Should Not Be Compulsory – Prof. Jega

Professor Attahiru Jega has raised several challenges that the scheme suffered from, such as lack of cooperation from some state and local governments.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Athahiru Jega, has suggested that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should not be compulsory.

Jega made this suggestion at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 50th anniversary celebration in Abuja, stating that only military activities should be mandatory and the youth service corps should be voluntary for qualified and high achieving youths.

He recommended that only the best graduates who express interest in the programme should be selected, with adequate provisions such as funding and facilities to enable them function effectively during the service programme.

“I recommend that NYSC should be made voluntary but with qualifications. Take the best graduates who want to participate who are interested in participating for the exercise and adequate provisions should be made such as funding, facilities, mentorship so that they are trained to occupy special positions in the country.”

Related News:

• Adron Homes: Brand Plans To Build 50 Million Affordable Houses In Nigeria, Wins GMD Aare Adetola Emmanuel King An Industry Award
• Guinness World Record: 19-Year After, American Man, Terry Wallis, Who Woke Up After 19 Years In A Coma Finally Dies At 57
• Election Aftermath: US Imposes Visa Ban On Nigeria’s 2023 Elections Riggers

He added that selected individuals should also be mentored to occupy special positions in the country.

Jega raised several challenges that the scheme suffered from, such as lack of cooperation from some state and local governments who have refused to lend their statutory support to the scheme, as well as the fraudulent enlistment of unqualified and/or fake graduates by tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He insisted that if the programme must be mandatory for the massive number of graduates who turn out from higher institutions, then all resources and facilities to make it effective and impactful must be provided.

He mentioned that remunerations of Corps members were poor and that security for them should be taken seriously to end the agitation for the scrapping of the scheme.

The Minister for Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, acknowledged that part of the achievements of the scheme was seen during the lockdown when corps members produced preventive materials such as face masks, hand sanitisers, automated hand washing equipment, and disinfectants, which were distributed for free to complement government efforts in the fight against the virus.