About NYSC Corps & Security in Nigeria

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The National Youth Service Commission, (NYSC) is a compulsory one year programme for every graduate of Nigerian citizenry unless seen otherwise by circumstances beyond one’s control. The essence of the programme is for the graduates to experience the diverse ethnic and cultural differences embedded in the Nigerian nation, yet fostering unity, love and patriotism. They are expected to contribute their own quota no matter how minimum while ensuring that oneness is sustained. Tolerance is highly advocated in the course of this programme.

A corp member whose name is yet to be revealed, saw this programme (NYSC) in a different yet uncongenial fashion when he was unexpectedly assailed with a machete by some unsuspecting students in his place of primary assignment. (PPA) This uncomely (ugly) incident took place in Osun State, Nigeria, in a yet to be disclosed secondary school at the time of filing in this publication. Voices rose in total denunciation of such a dastardly act against the young man. The video online displayed the corp member with blood spewing from his head down to his body. Voices were heard in background howling “we won’t take this, we won’t take this”.

The huge question of “which way Nigeria?”, remains unanswered till today. Security measures which should be put in place to guide our teeming corp members who are asked to serve their fatherland, having been posted to even security volatile states in the country, is yet to be addressed. Leaders should please wake up and do the needful. The blood of any Nigerian that drops on the ground should prick your conscience which is the highest authority. Corp members are admonished during orientation to always watch their backs. The pupil or student you might lash out with might be a cultist you may decide to hunt you down. Life has no duplicate and shouldn’t be sacrificed unnecessarily irrespective of who we claim to serve. Let us all be wise and tread cautiously.

Thank you dear esteemed readers. Enjoy the weekend as you digest these pearls of wisdom.