Corps Member Faces Decampment After Criticizing Hostel: Calls for Abolition of NYSC Gain Attention
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Oyo state has allegedly been decamped by the NYSC after expressing his dissatisfaction with one of the hostels and advocating for the abolition of the scheme. The incident has sparked widespread debate and calls for a reevaluation of the NYSC program.
The corps member, identified as Anthony, took to Twitter to compare his dormitory, Ajimobi Hostel, to a Nigerian prison. In his tweet, he called for the immediate scrapping of NYSC, stating, Kirikiri >>> Ajimobi hostel. So I’ll be here for three weeks. Scrap NYSC now. The tweet quickly went viral, catching the attention of NYSC officials who traced it back to Anthony.
Subsequently, a video posted by Anthony on his Twitter account showed the poor state of one of the hostels where corps members slept. This further fueled the outrage and criticism surrounding the condition of the NYSC facilities.
However, some Twitter users cautioned corps members about the impact of their social media posts within the regimented NYSC scheme. @Mayowa_Sam warned that the corps member was decamped as a punishment for his tweet, advising others to be careful about what they share online. @corpersdiary_ng emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws and rules governing the NYSC program, urging corps members to express their grievances through appropriate channels rather than social media.
While some Twitter users expressed support for Anthony’s concerns about the poor hostel conditions, others emphasized the constitutional attachment of NYSC to the Nigerian national anthem and pledge, making it unlikely to be scrapped. Additionally, @iamneenaah criticized the NYSC’s decision to decamp the corps member instead of addressing the hostel issues, highlighting the challenges of holding government institutions accountable in Nigeria.
It is worth noting that the NYSC program is designed to foster national unity and promote the participation of Nigerian graduates in community development projects. However, this incident highlights the need for improvements in the infrastructure and living conditions provided to corps members during their service.
In conclusion, the critical tweet from the decamped corps member has ignited a discussion on social media about the state of NYSC hostels and the potential abolition of the program. While some argue for better facilities and accountability, others caution corps members to be mindful of their online activities within the framework of the NYSC scheme. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young graduates participating in the program and raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the NYSC in its current form.
