THE MISCONCEPTION OF NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a scheme set up by the Nigerian Government to train and build graduates for the development of the country.

After the formation in May 22, 1973, the scheme has been able to inculcate discipline, raise the moral tone, eliminate ignorance and develop a sense of corporate existence and develop skills for self-employment among the Nigerian graduates.

However, many believe that the scheme has lost her purpose. There are criticism from serving corp members claiming they are being treated as slaves in their place of primary assignment. Several youth carrying out the NYSC programme have been killed due to religious, ethnic or political violence. They simply assume that the scheme is a waste of time and a waste of Nigeria’s resources. Some go the extra of saying “NYSC Na Scam”.

There are also praises from serving and ex-corp members of how the scheme has changed their mentality and given them working experience. From these testimonies, it is believed that anyone can benefit from the scheme while serving the country but the right mind-set is needed.

Starting from the 3 weeks at the Orientation Camp, this is an opportunity to network with other graduates from different tribe, culture, religion and background and make long-time friendship. One can easily learn from this setting and give birth to creative ideas to solve national problems.

During the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) classes, this is another opportunity to learn a skill such as hair dressing, fashion designing, carpentry, driving, photography, etc. There are so many skills one can learn from and after the orientation camp, one can invest in these skill sets and start making extra cash.

Most corp members are posted to schools to teach. Yes, some of them are paid little or nothing but teaching those kids is an opportunity to impact and cause a change in their lives. The kids will never forget you and this is a chance you write your name in their heart. Be the change they have been dreaming about.

Other corp members are posted to organizations where little or no work is done. This isn’t the perfect time to sleep all day. Use this privilege to get an extra PPA or learn a skill, ICT skill preferably.

People are having a misconception of scheme because they are expecting too much from NYSC. You have the power to make your service year fun or boring. It is not what you do not have that limits you. It is what you have and do not know how to use.

And finally, NYSC is a platform to give back to the community. Use this platform and be creative.

You are where you are not because of lack of opportunities but because of lack of creativity.

The ball is in your court.

Nice