Globetrotter: What Most Youths See NYSC As

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory one-year program for graduates of universities and higher institutions in Nigeria. Established by General Gowon in 1973, immediately after the civil war that its scar still lives on many Nigerians, the program aims to unite the country by bringing together people from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

 A Good Program with Room for Improvement

In theory, the program is excellent, and its objectives are commendable. However, the reality is that many corps members, including myself, have had a different experience. The program has become a source of frustration and disappointment for many young Nigerians.

 The Challenges We Face

One of the significant challenges corps members face is the meager monthly allowance of ₦33,000, which barely lasts a week. Many of us struggle to make ends meet, and some even go into debt before the next allowance arrives, at some point the little savings I make end up saving me. It's ironic that a program designed to empower young Nigerians has become a source of financial hardship.

 A Call to Action

I urge the government to review the program and make necessary adjustments to improve the welfare of corps members. We need a more sustainable and realistic allowance that reflects the current economic reality. It's time to rethink the program and make it more beneficial to the youth it's intended to serve. 

 The Reality of a Corper's Allowance

The touted ₦33,000 monthly allowance for corps members is a far cry from the reality. In truth, we take home only around ₦25,000, which is comparable to the salary of a POS attendant.

 The Breakdown

Here's how the ₦33,000 is typically spent:

- Monthly dues and CDs dues

- Transportation to and from Local Government Inspections (LGIs) for biometric verification

- Purchasing magazines, CDs forms, and other required materials

- Project fees (up to ₦2,000)

- Magazine fees (₦3,000)

- Jerk program fees (around ₦2,500)

After deducting these expenses, we're left with a meager amount to cover:

- Food and transportation to our Places of Primary Assignment (PPA)

- Tithe and other personal expenses

- Saving, which is often a luxury

 Compulsory Expenses

To make matters worse, we're sometimes forced to pay "compulsory" fees that should be optional. It's no wonder that saving is a daunting task, and many corps members struggle to make ends meet.

Conclusion 

There's no doubt that many through this program got the best of it, some got real good jobs, connections, relationships and spouse.

In conclusion, while the NYSC program has its merits, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges corps members face. By addressing these issues, we can make the program more effective and beneficial to young Nigerians. As someone who has gone through the program, I hope that my experience can contribute to the conversation about how to improve NYSC.

STAY TUNED FOR MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND HOW IT WAS FOR ME.