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WHO WANTS THE NYSC DEAD?

Published

5 years ago

June 18, 2020

By Rems Akinola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was conceptualized as a veritable vehicle to galvanized national unity and integration, speeding up the healing process of a country just emerging from the pains of a bloody civil war which left in its wake great devastations in both human and material terms, on both sides of the conflict.

The birthing of the Scheme in 1973 was a follow – up to the three Rs of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation pronounced by the by then Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon’s Administration at the end of the Biafra/Nigeria civil war in 1970.

The first set of Corps Members who commenced service in July 1973 were graduates of the then existing Nigerian Universities of the 1972/73 academic session who did so amid protests by the would-be Corps Members, their parents, and guardians. The students thought it’s not worth it, “wasting” a whole year to the so-called service to the nation, when companies were in a queue to employ them, with a guaranteed car loan and good life.

On the part of their parents and guardians, they felt that letting their sons and daughters travel to far-flung states constituted a heavy security risk, given that the wounds inflicted by the civil war were still fresh.

Notwithstanding the protests, the then Federal Military Government was resolute in going ahead with the establishment of the Scheme, having given due consideration to the perceived gains derivable from the Corps.

Therefore, 2364 graduates of the universities constituted the pioneer members of the Scheme, deployed to the then twelve states of Nigeria.

Interestingly, the Corps, having weathered so many existential storms has grown exponentially over the past forty – seven years, mobilizing currently for service over 300,000 Nigerian youths, hence making it the biggest youth – mobilization agency in the globe.

The question begging for answer is: After 47 years, who wants the Scheme dead, albeit instalmentally?

The traditional and new media were awash with the report of the Osibanjo – led Economic Sustainability Committee, recommending the suspension of the NYSC Orientation programme for two years. The Committee further proposed the deployment of Prospective Corps Members from their higher institutions of graduation, straight to states of service.

The position of the Committee, doubtlessly fraught with so many flaws is manifestly antithetical to the philosophy behind the establishment of the Scheme as the Orientation camp introduces the Corps Members to the service Scheme.

In fact, as an ex – Corps Member from the South West, a stakeholder of the Scheme that faithfully served in Niger State which broadened my horizon, I can aptly say that the Orientation camp is the launching pad for the one-year national service. It affords Corps Members a better understanding of the objectives of the Scheme; acquaints them with their environment in their political, cultural, social and economic setting, while preparing them for their particular roles in the Scheme.

The Orientation camp is a regimented environment which inculcates the spirit of discipline among the Corps Members — a primary ingredient needed for national rebirth, by subjecting them to military drills; and educating them on nationalistic issues.

Ordinarily, some of the youths wouldn’t have had the opportunity to travel to those places, save the scheme. But more importantly, it enables youths from across the country the opportunity to interact.

Above all, the Orientation camp lays the foundation for the much envisaged national unity and integration through the interaction of Corps Members from diverse ethnic groups, social strata, and religious backgrounds.

Lasting friendships cutting across tribe and religion have been built over the years; in addition to intertribal marriages that arose as a result of exposure to the Orientation camp. Who then wants the NYSC dead?

Sadly, over the years, the NYSC Scheme has remained a hapless head that receives underserved ruthless knocks from every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Most of the challenges besetting the Scheme are extraneous to it.

Truly speaking, I don’t envy the managers of the Scheme, especially the PR managers who usually have a lot of explanations to offer when NYSC suffers vicariously for other agencies’ failings.

For instance, if a Corps Member comes on harm’s way, even in his father’s house, as long as he’s a Corps Member, the Scheme must take responsibility for his fate.

The NYSC is blamed for every wrong thing in Nigeria, from unemployment to insecurity. Some people would often ask derisively: After NYSC, what next? The rhetorical question is borne out of the spiraling unemployment situation in the country which of course is not the making of the Scheme, as Corps Members can never be insulated from the vagaries of the economy.

It’s heartwarming to note that the Scheme answered the rhetorical question with the introduction of the NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme, which has in camp and post-camp components.

While in the camp, Corps Members are exposed to skill training in chosen skill sets and they continue with the training after the Orientation course.

From diligent investigation, a number of ex – Corps Members have been able to set up thriving businesses, arising from the NYSC skill acquisition programme.

I have a female cousin who studied Architecture, but today earns a living from the business of hat, bag, and shoe – manufacturing, employing, and mentoring four employees.

Therefore, cutting off the Orientation programme which I hold as a veiled attempt to reach the jugular of the Scheme, will be akin to dealing an unkind cut to the youths.

NYSC unarguably remains the major youth programme in the country, and no amount of resources expended on youth – development is a waste. The youths are the future of this country, and the future of this country should not be toyed with.

I hastily posit that I consider giving focus to the youths as one of the greatest achievements of the Scheme. The Orientation camp is like a crucible that changes the perception of an average Corps Member about life.

Is it not amazing that many cultists who drop the toga of cultism before entering the camp since the NYSC has zero-tolerance for cultism leave the camp after three – weeks with a refocused mindset, abandoning the figurative toga left at the entrance of the gate.

It’s still very doubtful that anyone who served the nation diligently as a Corps Member would support tinkering with the soul of the NYSC — the Orientation camp, unless for political expediency, as pundits have begun to give political coloration to the recommendation of the Osibanjo — led Economic Sustainability Committee.

Many have alleged that the Scheme has become an albatross for so many politicians that evaded service; therefore they must conspiratorially snuff life out of the Scheme insidiously.

Who wants the NYSC dead? The Scheme is a microcosmic Nigeria. Killing the Scheme in any guise is akin to piercing the heart of the nation with a hot knife, which after all may give the day to the promoters of separatist movements and tribal jingoists.

Nigerians are watching the President to know his reaction. Will he acquiesce to the recommendation of the Committee which on the face value appears innocuous, but in reality, a representation of a gold chalice, laden with poisonous venom.

The NYSC scheme is fulfilling its mandate and nothing should hamper its operations; if anything, it must be guarded jealously

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Featured

Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

2 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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