As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) faces criticism for the delay in paying corps members their June 2023 monthly allowance, doubts are being raised about the continued relevance of the program. The NYSC management has attributed the delay to the “administration of funds by various banks,” causing concerns among corps members who have been awaiting their payments.
In a statement released by NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, on Sunday, it was clarified that the scheme had completed all necessary arrangements for the payment of corps members’ allowances by June 27, 2023. However, the delay persists due to the banks’ handling of funds, as they are yet to credit the corps members’ accounts. The NYSC management assured that it is actively working with the banks to expedite the payment process without further delay.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Scheme completed all arrangements for the payment of Corps Members’ allowance since 27th of June, 2023, and remittances made same day to various banks accordingly,” the statement partly read.
“The delay being currently experienced is due to the administration of funds by various banks who are yet to credit Corps Members’ accounts.
“In line with the above, NYSC Management is assiduously interfacing with the banks to fast track the payment of Corps Members’ June allowance without further delay.”
Amidst these recent developments, questions arise regarding the frequency of such delays. Interestingly, the public discourse surrounding the NYSC’s continued relevance and its current format was reignited in June by protests staged by serving corps members across the country. These protests were in response to the prolonged wait for their May stipends and the hardships they faced due to rising fuel prices and subsequent increases in food and transportation costs. Consequently, stakeholders are urged to promptly address the NYSC question, which has become a regular point of contention.
The idea of discontinuing the NYSC program has been proposed in the past. A bill seeking to scrap the scheme was previously introduced in the House of Representatives in 2021 by Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a lawmaker from Rivers State representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Abiante argued that the NYSC has failed to fulfil its intended purpose and, therefore, should be terminated. This proposal generated contrasting reactions among Nigerians on social media, with some supporting the move while others opposed it. However, the scheme was not scrapped at that time.
It is an undeniable fact that the NYSC has strayed far from its original vision, and the current circumstances surrounding it, such as funding limitations, participant numbers, and relevance, demand a thorough examination. Over the years, the program has been plagued by severe criticism, including numerous scandals, insufficient funding, physical assaults on members, and a pervasive lack of competence within Nigeria’s public service.
Sadly, the NYSC has become increasingly ineffective. Corruption has infiltrated every level, with individuals resorting to bribery and nepotism to secure their desired postings. The number of participants has increased significantly since its establishment in 1973, with Nigeria now having 170 universities and approximately 600,000 graduates annually. The NYSC, originally designed with a single intake format, now operates multiple streams and batches, accommodating up to four batches per year. The exorbitant costs associated with running the program have become prohibitively expensive, especially considering the government’s reliance on borrowing for funding. Many corps members complete their service year without securing any meaningful employment.
As the Nigerian state continues to evolve, new needs and concerns emerge, rendering the NYSC’s current structure obsolete. Technological advancements, increased social and economic mobility, and greater access to education have made the concept of “national unity” irrelevant. While the scheme may have its merits, the prevailing challenges in the country prevent the average Nigerian children from reaping its full benefits, particularly in the face of the current economic hardships, where prices have doubled.
Given these circumstances, it begs the question whether it is time to reconsider the decision to scrap the NYSC program.
