CSOs Warn Against Scrapping NYSC

Over 100 pro-Nigeria Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Nigeria First have warned against scrapping the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, saying it would be a disservice to the country.

There have been suggestions for the government to scrap the NYSC scheme as according to the proponents, the scheme which involves one leaving his or her state of origin to another, endangers the lives of graduates.

The NYSC scheme was established by General Yakubu Gowon in 1973 to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.

But speaking at a world press conference yesterday, Comrade Richard Augustine said Nigerians must express caution in discussing issues that affect the country’s unity.

“Nigeria First wishes to reiterate that the call for the scrapping of the NYSC is a misnomer and should be disregarded by concerned stakeholders, including parents and guardians, as the novel introductions in the NYSC in recent times have been impactful in our quest for socio-economic growth and development.

“There are indeed tales of how the interventions of corps members have saved the country from national embarrassment. A good example was the strike action by resident doctors in the country that left patients in public hospitals across the country stranded. However, the intervention of NYSC doctors and nurses saved the situation in what could have been a national health crisis,” he said.