Nigerian Times

Martins chibuikem Challenges and Trials of a Nigerian NYSC Member As I held my call up National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) letter in my hand, I wondered what it would be like to finally go for youth service. Looking back at all that I have been through in school including the gruel some 2 years I had to wait to be finally mobilized for youth service, I wondered if the wait was worth it. As a graduate in Nigeria, if you don’t serve you will definitely find it hard to get job. So it is as important as your university degree it self. The National Youth Service Corps is a mandatory one year program in which graduates from different schools serve the nation for one year in a place where they will be posted. They say its voluntary but it is what we call optionally compulsory. The government has made it such that if you don’t go for service, you may not be able to find a job because every potential employer will require you to present your discharge certificate; a certificate given to you a...

The Lamentation of an NYSC Member What do we do? Is there possibility of free and fair? Every one raises an eyebrow, over what? A situation that is overlooked! I cannot help but cry for my nation. What a nation! I sleep and wake with the thought of how to make it better, free from all manners of catastrophe. But can I do it alone? How can me when even those that are supposed to lead for an onward match to sensitization and success are nowhere to be found. You deny your subjects their right, making unfulfilled promises year in year out. When can we truly realize these? I ask. Imagine a society free from social crisis. Whereby meaningful employment is made available at all levels both for graduates and non graduates. Providing food for all, especially for the poor, less privileged, handicapped and the destitute as well. A stable and reasonable transport system, Good roads maintenance, proper and effective education at all levels with sound practicability. I cannot imagine myself in an i...