By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
An educationist, Dr. Elechi Owhoeke, has described calls for the scrapping or suspension of the National Youth Service Corps as unnecessary, stressing that the scheme remains a vital tool for national integration and youth development.
Dr. Owhoeke, a lecturer in the Department of Industrial Chemistry and Petrochemical Technology at University of Port Harcourt, said abolishing the scheme would worsen the insecurity challenges facing the country by leaving many graduates without productive engagement after completing their studies.
According to him, idle graduates could become vulnerable to activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
“If graduates are not engaged after leaving the walls of higher institutions, they may be tempted to engage in activities that could threaten public peace and security,” he said.
The don commended the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, noting that over the past decade, it has produced thousands of entrepreneurs who have created jobs and reduced pressure on the labour market, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
He, however, called for reforms to strengthen the scheme, recommending that the government redesign it to provide employment opportunities for corps members after their one-year national service.
Owhoeke urged the government to sign into law the proposed NYSC Trust Fund bill, which he said would further strengthen the skill acquisition programme by creating a pool of funds to expand grants and credit facilities for corps members seeking to establish businesses.
He also noted that the scheme has continued to provide critical manpower support to states and local government councils in key sectors across the country.
According to him, corps members have made significant contributions in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental sanitation, and nutrition, thereby enhancing service delivery.
The educationist further stated that the scheme has achieved one of its core objectives by exposing young Nigerians to diverse cultures and lifestyles, fostering national unity and cohesion.
“The NYSC is a win-win for the country. Scrapping or suspending it will not be in the nation’s best interest,” he said.
