By Ishaka Mohammed
After accessing some social media posts about the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I wish to share two of the numerous issues I had with the scheme.
Although I’ll try to avoid certain details, I must mention that an unpleasant encounter with a senior official of NYSC marked the third time I shed tears since reaching adulthood.
First issue
When I confirmed my mobilisation to serve under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2018, I sought information about the registration process and requirements. I found that prospective Corps members could either get their call-up letters through their schools or pay about N3,000 to print the letters online. I went for the first option because I couldn’t afford the second one. Besides, I was about to go to Zaria for my statement of result, so I decided to pick up my call-up letter from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Everything went well, and I proceeded to the NYSC orientation camp in Fanisau, Jigawa State. However, the camp authorities insisted that I either pay the money and print the online version of the call-up letter or leave the camp and wait for the next stream (due in three months). They maintained their position despite acknowledging the authenticity of my call-up letter, which NYSC had sent to ABU. I had no option but to leave the camp for Kano (a short distance from the camp).
Fortunately, my arrival in Kano changed the story. I had no mobile phone, so I inserted my SIM card into someone’s phone. Within a few minutes, I received two different but connected calls, and I got the money I needed to print the call-up letter, hence my immediate return to the camp.
Second issue
My fellow Corps members received their allowance for December 2018 before the 25th of the month, but I didn’t get mine till after five months.
I started contacting relevant officials in the last week of December 2018, and by April 2019, I had submitted my bank statement of account, proof of clearance and about four letters. Surprisingly, I received a letter from my Local Government Inspector (LGI) titled “Query”, which demanded that I submit a handwritten reply to explain why I shouldn’t be punished for “refusing” to apply for my unpaid allowance. Well, I just replied as instructed, but I still didn’t receive the money (N19,800) until about a month later.
Two questions and answers
One, why did the camp officials force me to pay the N2,786.24? I believe they were keen on generating money for their organisation, and they felt letting me dodge the payment would lead to a fall in revenue in subsequent batches because I might communicate to other prospective Corps members whose closeness to their schools might make them opt for the free call-up letter.
Two, why did I receive a punishment threat for “refusing” to apply for my unpaid allowance? I feel it was the officials’ way of shifting the blame.
Conclusion
I had disliked NYSC long before my graduation from university, and my experiences during my service year only heightened the feeling.
However, I acknowledge the scheme’s contributions to national development. The interest of the majority supersedes that of an individual.
Ishaka Mohammed can be contacted via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.