Every year, Nigeria’s tertiary institutions churn out graduates with ease. After graduation, it is expected of every graduate to serve his or her fatherland on a mandatory one year service. In lieu of seeking and securing employment for themselves, graduates embark on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). According to the NYSC official site, it was stated in clear and unequivocal terms that “the NYSC scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.…” Decree No. 24 of 22nd May 1973 states that the NYSC was established “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.” Hitherto, the NYSC has been a fulfilling and resourceful innovation for graduates who were able to utilize their service year to maximum effect.

During the service year, there are four cardinal programmes, namely: Orientation Course which ushers graduates into the service year, progressing to primary assignment and Community Development Service (CDS), also known as secondary assignment. The last of the programmes is “Winding-up/Passing-out.” Every corps member must successfully pass through the listed segments in order to qualify for passing-out at the end of the service year.
However, the service year for graduates in Nigeria has been a recurring decimal. Many youths now see the service to their fatherland as a “waste of time and resources,” claiming that a year in service is akin to being “unproductive.” On 7th March, 2017, Batch A corp members were given their certificates for serving their fatherland for one good year. Their passing out is a thing to rejoice on and a step towards the right direction in their various callings. For serving Nigeria in various Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) shows a great sense of responsibility and that means they are ready for the task ahead- even in this economic austerity we are facing. Truth be told, there are no many jobs out there that graduates will cherish to opt for so as to make a good and desirous living. We are faced with a hydra-headed monster of unemployment rate in the country- the scourge of mass unemployment is a Pandora’s box as the nation tries to solve it.

Essentially, the primary purpose of the scheme is “to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.” The nation’s graduates are countless; therefore,they join the existing “bandwagon of unproductive labour.” Albeit during service year, few graduates are fortunate to be retained after the one year programme. Apart from the PPA, there can also be other job openings in the community or state you serve. But, the menace of unemployment still remains a conundrum to be solved.
Continue Reading http://www.naijaval.com/2017/07/04/thinking-beyond-nysc-nigerian-youths/