NYSC AT 50: Make Service Voluntary, Not Mandatory — Jega

Professor Attahiru Jega, a former INEC chairman, has urged the federal government to reduce the number of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participants by making the programme voluntary rather than mandatory.

Jega, who described the current allowance provided to corps members as "very shameful", called for improved protection and welfare for corps members.

The former INEC Chairman made the statement during a lecture in honour of the 50th anniversary of NYSC on Monday in Abuja.

“Specifically, the government should substantially increase the funding provisions, ensure the security of corps members in their areas of deployment, and motivate staff administering the scheme.

"In the alternative, trim down the number of participants by making the scheme voluntary, rather than mandatory, with a high CGPA as prequalification for participation.

He added, “national service should be voluntary, with carefully defined qualifications, which help to limit the number of participants for a well-structured and impactful service.

“We should learn from such best practices to reposition the NYSC for a more impactful contribution to Nigeria’s national development in the decades to come.