BY Rosemary Nwaoha/Zee Lugard/Awele Nwanze Divine Chukwurah/Precious Maduamayo/Vivian Ifejoku/Esther Obiazi/Banyei blessing
IN the light of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, parents have called on government to review the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment so as to enhance safety of corps members even without limiting them to their home states.
The plea came after the Batch B stream 1 Corps members deployed to Niger State were asked to return back to their various states without proper explanation, sparked reactions online.
According to Mrs. Fejiro Esiri, a concerned parent, expressed her disappointment, stating, “As a parent, I feel unsettled by the decision to send corps members home without providing a reasonable explanation. It reflects a lack of responsibility on their part. They have failed to ensure the well-being and safety of the corps members and seem to show little concern or support for those affected. What if one of the students had an accident or was kidnapped because they were sent home earlier than planned?” She lamented.
Speaking with another parent Mr. Emmanuel Okotie, he said, there have been suggestions that graduates should be restricted to serve in their state of origin to mitigate the risks posed by insecurity in certain parts of the country.
However, he noted that such a move could undermine the core objectives of the NYSC scheme. Serving in different regions exposes graduates to various cultures, experiences, and perspectives, fostering national unity and understanding.
In the same light, Mr. Chikezie Chukwueloke mentioned that Corps members are a valuable asset to the nation, and their safety should be the government’s top priority,” We must also consider enhancing the training of corps members, equipping them with basic self-defense skills to help them respond to threats during their service year.”
Mr. Eloke noted that restricting NYSC members to their home states might seem like a solution, but it would deprive them of the invaluable experience of national integration,” a concerned education expert stated. “It is by serving in other regions that graduates can learn adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness—skills that are crucial for both personal and professional growth.
He called on government to take immediate steps to enhance the safety of corps members by working with security agencies to provide patrols and set up quick-response teams in high-risk areas. In addition, corps members should be provided with access to basic infrastructure, such as clean water, healthcare facilities, and proper sanitation.” He added
