My NYSC Experience

I am grateful to the Nigerian Government for the opportunity afforded to me by the NYSC scheme to serve my country.

At the commencement of this journey, many of us were skeptical, and some of us viewed it as an unnecessary burden. We couldn't ignore the unfortunate stories and incidents that some Corp members had faced in the past, which led many to question the relevance of the NYSC program.

Having completed the program myself, I am of the opinion that, NYSC Scheme is akin to the cycles of life, and it would be remiss to disregard its positive impact. Just as traveling by air carries risks, but we continue to board planes, often with no available flights in sight, NYSC program has its benefits and risks for Corp members posted in some states with a history of bombing, kidnapping, killing, etc.? The government can mitigate or completely eliminate these threats by solving insecurities problems in Nigeria. Which is a more effective approach than scrapping the NYSC program. With regards to Corp members that were involved in accidents, accident can happen anywhere even inside the house.?

Essentially, the NYSC scheme was conceived in 1973 to reconstruct, reconcile, and rebuild our nation after the Nigerian Civil War. Its primary purpose is to instill in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to their communities and underscore the unity and brotherhood that should bind all Nigerians, transcending cultural and social backgrounds.?

One resource that Nigeria has lacked, ever since independence, is unity, and disunity continues to affect us up to date.

Some Christians are afraid of Muslims, some Muslims think Christians are unbelievers, while traditionalists think churches are scammers, other religions not mentioned here also have their reservations and on and on we continue to fight for God even when we all agree that God/Allah is one. If there is one God who is divine, immortal and powerful, why do we fight His battle? Why don’t we get to heaven first and let Him be the judge of who preached the true gospel?

I reckon that the NYSC scheme has the potential to promote and foster unity and create employment, albeit to a limited extent. Many of my fellow corps members, including myself, were fortunate to find employment opportunities in the states we were posted to. Some were directly assigned by NYSC to various offices, effectively reducing unemployment.

Prior to this experience, many of us only knew our state of origin and the state where our university is located. However, NYSC program compelled us to explore new territories, embrace different cultures, and realize that the people there are just like us - same skin, same blood, same Nigerians. Unity is built on understanding, and by serving in another state, we came to understand and appreciate the indigens of the state.? So why can't we unite?

Some Corp members have chosen to relocate permanently because of their positive experiences in these states. Some even found love at the orientation camp and are married today, a testament to how the NYSC system encourages inclusion.

Although some corps members have faced tragic incidents during their service, these isolated events should not overshadow the good that the scheme accomplishes. As Nigerians, we need to shift our focus from sharing and amplifying negative news to celebrating the positive.

I have colleagues from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Yoruba, Edo, Rivers, Delta, and more. They are all wonderful individuals. People are not inherently evil because of their state of origin; they are simply evil.

I've embarked on this transformative journey and can confidently say that I had a profound and enriching experience. I am proud to be a Nigerian, grateful for the opportunity to serve my nation, and wholeheartedly support the NYSC scheme.

Thank you, Nigeria, the Nigerian government, and our dedicated officials at NYSC.?

God bless Nigeria!