Olusegun Adeyemo
The recent alarm raised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the increasing rejection of corps members at their designated places of primary assignment (PPAs) has stirred intense public debate, revealing conflicting perspectives on the relevance and functionality of the decades-old national scheme.
In a survey conducted by Journal Nigeria, Nigerians from different walks of life expressed divergent views. While some blamed the corps members themselves for poor attitudes and low commitment, others pointed to deeper systemic issues such as inadequate orientation, lack of industrial infrastructure, and the general inefficiency of the NYSC program.
Ikenna Israel Izysuxes, a real estate consultant, argued that many corps members are not putting in the expected level of effort. “Imagine demanding two days off from your place of primary assignment and still expecting to be paid,” he said. “They are not trying.”
Emmanuel Hyacinth, a businessman, went further, calling for the total abolishment of the scheme. “When someone graduates and is eligible for NYSC, let the federal government give them capital to start a business instead,” he suggested. “Stop this mandatory one-year service. It’s a waste of time. If it’s not working, let the government do something.”
Some employers expressed frustration with the perceived attitude of the corps members. Christian Uche, who runs a private company, blamed what he described as “nonchalant attitudes” for the rising rejections. Similarly, Kelly Bolade Akomolafe, a teacher with the Ekiti State Civil Service Commission, lamented the conduct of some corps members during their postings. “Some of them don’t want to work but want to receive a salary,” she said. “One even almost fought our HOD once, blocking the road for others. Where’s the loyalty?”
However, others pointed to more structural flaws within the scheme and the country at large. Samuel Ateli, a businessman, said the rejection trend reflects the failure of the Nigerian system to provide a productive base for corps members to thrive. “We’re blaming corps members, but the real issue is the lack of industries and a practical, production-based education system,” he explained. “The administrative nature of our education and governance is why we have widespread mismanagement.”
For some serving corps members, the rejection is more than just an employer’s decision—it is symptomatic of broader neglect. Olamilekan Alege, who is currently serving, criticized the lack of incentives from employers and the government. “If the PPA provides no stipend, the state gives nothing, and NYSC still pays a meager ₦1,800 and ₦1,400 as transport and local allowances, what do you expect?” he asked. “This rejection is mutual.”
Vivian Nehemiah, another corps member, argued that misinformation is also to blame. “Many employers reject us because they believe we’re being paid ₦77,000 monthly. Yet we’re not provided accommodation or any meaningful stipend,” she said.
Former IT manager Okude Jnr Okude highlighted the contradiction between the demands placed on corps members and the conditions under which they are expected to perform. “Despite all these, organizations still demand 100% performance,” he said.
While the NYSC leadership continues to advocate the relevance and benefits of the scheme in promoting national unity and capacity building, the growing rate of rejections and the accompanying discourse reflect a pressing need for critical reforms. Whether these conversations will lead to actionable changes remains to be seen.