Nigerians React to Questioning of NYSC Scheme: "What Is the Value of NYSC Certificate to an Average Nigerian Graduate?"

 A recent statement questioning the value of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate has sparked intense debate among Nigerians, particularly recent graduates and those who have gone through the scheme.

The remark, made by an anonymous individual on social media, has raised questions about the relevance of the NYSC program, with many calling for a reevaluation of its significance in the Nigerian educational and employment sectors.

The individual’s post read: “What is the value of NYSC certificate to an average Nigerian graduate? You all have 24 hours to educate me or scrap the scheme.” This provocative question quickly went viral, drawing a flood of reactions from various quarters of society.

The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, is a one-year mandatory national service program for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30. It was designed to foster national unity, encourage inter-ethnic cooperation, and help reduce the societal divisions caused by the Nigerian Civil War. However, the program has long been a subject of debate, with critics questioning its effectiveness, while others defend its role in promoting national cohesion and providing work experience for graduates.

In response to the post, Nigerians have been sharing their experiences, with many offering differing views on the value of the NYSC certificate. For some, the certificate remains an essential requirement for securing a job, while others argue that it no longer holds the same significance in today’s job market.

"To be honest, the NYSC certificate is the only thing that helps many graduates get a job," said one Twitter user. "Without it, a lot of us would be left stranded. Companies still ask for it as part of their hiring process. It's hard to get into any formal sector job without completing it."

Another user responded, saying, “I have a job, and I didn’t need to use my NYSC certificate at all. My experience, skills, and networking helped me land it. NYSC should be scrapped, it’s just a waste of time and money.”

Some also pointed out that the scheme’s impact goes beyond just providing a certificate. "I met a lot of people during my service year, learned new skills, and got to experience life outside my comfort zone. It wasn’t a waste for me," one former corps member shared.

However, others agreed with the call for scrapping the program. They argue that it has become a mere formality and no longer serves the unifying purpose it was originally designed for. "NYSC is outdated. It doesn’t really address the issues we face today, and it’s just a means for government to make money off graduates," said another commenter. “What’s the point of spending a year in some remote area doing little or nothing? It doesn’t help me build my career.”

From an economic standpoint, some argue that the scheme imposes unnecessary financial strain on both graduates and the government. Graduates are often posted to distant states, sometimes leading to high living costs with minimal support, while the government allocates resources to fund the program, which critics argue could be better used elsewhere.

“The funds used for NYSC could be better invested in creating real job opportunities for graduates, or improving the quality of education,” one user argued. “Instead of forcing graduates to serve in some local government office, let’s focus on addressing the country’s high unemployment rate.”

As the debate rages on, many Nigerians are asking if the NYSC scheme remains relevant in an ever-changing world where online platforms, the gig economy, and skill-based jobs are on the rise. Some believe the program could be restructured to provide more value and purpose, while others feel that it has outlived its usefulness.

“I think if they rebrand the scheme and offer more practical skills training, it could still be beneficial. But as it is now, it doesn’t prepare graduates for the real world. I’d say scrap it or overhaul it completely,” one concerned commenter suggested.

As the conversation continues to unfold, the question remains whether the NYSC scheme should be reformed to better meet the needs of today’s graduates or whether it should be scrapped entirely. Given the strong emotions on both sides, it seems likely that this debate will persist for some time, with many hoping that the conversation leads to meaningful change for Nigeria’s future graduates.

For now, Nigerians are waiting for further discussions on the matter, with some calling for a more open dialogue between stakeholders in the education, employment, and government sectors to determine the future of the NYSC program.