Dr Philip Vande, a senior level at Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has called on the Federal Government to urgently address some challenges threatening the ideals of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
Delivering a lecture to mark the 50th anniversary of NYSC at FUL Adankolo Campus, Lokoja, Vande also appraised the scheme.
Vande, a political scientist, said “A situation whereby corps members are used as cannon folders, abused or be victims of electoral violence will not in any way inspire good work performance.
“This is evident in the fact that most parents today want their children or ward to serve within their geopolitical region for reasons known to them.
“Apart from promoting mutual understanding and unity, the scheme provides the opportunity for our youths to have work experience.
“It, therefore, rests on our government and patriots to see that all those areas of concern expressed by corps members are quickly looked into for a more productive NYSC scheme.
“Therefore, issues of security, welfare, funding, accommodation, competence/discipline-based postings should be looked into so as not to defeat the spirit and ideals of NYSC.
“State governments and private organisations should take the NYSC very seriously by continuously reviewing allowances of corps members.
“This will go a long way to complement the efforts of Federal Government at ensuring that the scheme continues to contribute to socio-economic development of the nation”.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Kogi NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Mofoluwaso Williams, explained that the topic of the lecture would explain the reasons and importance of the establishment of the scheme.
