NYSC at 50, Infrastructural Deficits Bessetting The Scheme - Dilapidated Orientation Camps And Offices; Is The Scheme Experiencing Growth or Stagnation In This Present Age Compared To It's Inception?

The National Youth Service Corps was established by Decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973, now quoted as NYSC CAP N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. It was set up by General Yakubu Gowon, the Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria from 1st August, 1966 to 29th July, 1975 as a follow-up action primarily to facilitate national cohesion of a country recovering from the throes of a 30-month civil war and also to promote the development of Nigerian youths.

In May, 2023, the scheme celebrated it's 50-year anniversary in splendour and it is therefore pertinent to assess whether the scheme has lived up to it's billing as the Nigeria of 1973 is not the same as 2023 in terms of population, economic indices, education and opportunities. 

One of the major challenges facing the NYSC is the deteriorating condition of its orientation camps. Many of these camps lack basic amenities such as electricity, potable water, and functional healthcare facilities. In some cases, corps members are forced to sleep in overcrowded and poorly maintained hostels, which poses a threat to their well-being. These deplorable conditions not only undermine the overall experience of corps members but also raise concerns about their safety and security.Furthermore, the offices of the NYSC at various state and local government levels are also plagued by infrastructural deficits. Insufficient office spaces, outdated equipment, and inadequate funding hinder the smooth operation of the scheme. This often leads to delays in the processing of corps members' documentation, payment of allowances, and other administrative tasks. Such inefficiencies erode the confidence of corps members and undermine its overall effectiveness.

In terms of growth, it is undeniable that the NYSC has witnessed an exponential increase in the number of corps members over the years. In its early years, the scheme had a modest enrollment of a few thousand graduates annually. 

However, the current figure stands at hundreds of thousands, placing a tremendous strain on the already stretched resources of the scheme. This rapid growth has outpaced the capacity of the NYSC to provide adequate infrastructure and support services, resulting in a decline in the quality of the experience for corps members.

To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for increased investment in the NYSC. The government should prioritize the rehabilitation and upgrading of orientation camps, ensuring that they meet basic standards of hygiene, safety, and comfort. 

Additionally, the offices of the NYSC should be adequately equipped and staffed to handle the administrative demands of the scheme. Allocating sufficient funds to the NYSC will help improve its efficiency and ensure a better experience for corps members.

In conclusion, while NYSC has played a significant role in fostering national unity and youth development over the past 50 years, the current state of it's infrastructure threatens it's growth and effectiveness and there are still significant areas of concern that indicate stagnation.

WRITTEN BY: Bamidele Mary, Modupe

State Code: OS/23A/4094