National Youth Services Corps Scheme As An Instrument Of National Development
(A Case Study Of Nysc Abia State)
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme stands as a dynamic and integral initiative in fostering national development within the context of Nigeria. Envisioned to enhance unity and integration among the diverse cultural fabric of the nation, the NYSC program has evolved into a multifunctional platform for the holistic development of young graduates. Through its structured framework, the scheme not only addresses youth unemployment but also cultivates a sense of national pride and responsibility. The deployment of graduates across different states ensures a cross-pollination of ideas and experiences, contributing to the enrichment of local communities. By actively engaging in community development projects, the corps members become catalysts for positive change, addressing pressing social needs in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Consequently, the NYSC scheme emerges as a catalytic force, propelling the nation towards sustainable growth by harnessing the potential of its youth and fostering a unified sense of national identity and progress.
There is need to encourage Nigerian Youth to actively participate in national integration and development, rather than have passive beneficiaries of the process of change in society. It is against the back ground that the NYSC scheme sends teaming Nigeria graduates from various institutions within the country to serve their father land for the period of one year in states other than their states of Origin. Many people see these youths in their uniform without clear knowledge of who they are or what they stand for. Some doubt the wisdom in continuation of NYSC and complain that funding of this scheme is a colossal waste.
It is in realization of the above arguments ascertain the reasons behind the inauguration of NYSC scheme, to find out its achievements of as well as the problems militating against it. With the view to finding lasting solutions to these problems and making appropriate recommendations for effective operations of the scheme and enable the general public appreciate the efforts of the scheme in unity and development of the nation. These will be reviewed in five well arranged chapters of this research work.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 research questions
1.5 Statement of hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 scope of the study
1.8 Limitation of the study
1.9 Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 literature review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Reason for inauguration of NYSC
2.3 Objective of NYSC scheme
2.4 Activities of NYSC
2.5 .1 Community Development services (C D S)
2.5.2 Principles and objectives of C D S
2.6 Organization of the NYSC development programme.
2.7 The impact of NYSC scheme to National Development in Nigeria.
2.8 The impact of NYSC scheme to Abia State development
2.9 Problems of the NYSC scheme
References
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research design and methodology.
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research design
3.3 Sources/methods of data collection
3.4 Population and sample size
3.5 Sampling technique.
3.6 Validity and reliability of measuring instrument
3.7 Method of data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Presentation and analysis of data
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Presentation of data
4.3 Analysis of data
4.4 Test of hypothesis
4.5 Interpretation of results
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, Conclusion Recommendations.
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
References
Appendix 1
Appendix 11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Every society of the world be it social political, economic, industrial and etc. calls for innovations and or renovations. As such, the National Youth Service Scheme was conceived at a time when Nigeria more than ever needed a systematic involvement of all. Particularly the youths with their abundant energies and skills in the task of nation building and acquisition of national consciousness. The event that brought about the thirty- six months of civil war (1967-1970) and the after effects lightened the need fro a deliberate programme to:
i. Provide inter- ethnic understanding, integration and national unity.
ii. Maximize the country’s human resources, utilization and accelerated reconstruction and development.
Hence, the federal military government under Gowon’s administration drew up the National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC) as the most appropriate programme to put the above mentioned consideration into action.
As good order is the foundation of all good things, the National Youth Service Scheme widely acclaimed as one of the best legacies of General Gowon’s administration, since inception, has continued to justify its purpose and existence. One can therefore simply stated that the National Youth Service Corps. Decree 24 of 1973 stated that the scheme is being established. “With a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youth of Nigeria and the promotion of National unity”.
The scheme has like any other human organization suffered some set-backs due to a number of constraints in its efforts to attain the desire set goals in social, polices and economic spheres of this great nation Nigeria.
Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the purpose and role this scheme is expected to play towards the development and unity of Nigeria as a Nation, as well as the extent to which the scheme has really achieve this purpose particularly in Abia State.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
No human organization, business or venture is devoid of one problem or the other. But as dynamic human beings in a dynamic world, these problems changes from time to time depending on the variables and organization involved.
The National Youth Service Corps Scheme is no exception. The scheme has over the years had its share of problems. Some of these problem militate against the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme and have therefore.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The case study of this research work is NYSC Abia State. Therefore, it will not be out of place to give a brief account on the origin and creation of Abia as a state in Nigeria.
Abia State was created on 27th August 1991. It was carved out from Imo State and Afikpo now part of Ebonyi State, as one of the nine states created by Babangide military administration. Abia is a state with about seventeen local government areas, which include, Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Obingwa, Umunneochi, Umuohia south, Umuahia North, Ohafia, Osisioma Ngwa etc. with the state capital at Umuahia.
Since the creation of Abia state on 27th August, 1991 five military Administrators as well as three democratically elected civilian governors have headed the state. They include; Group capt. Frank Ajobena, the first military governor, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu. The first military governor, Ike Nwosu, Temi Ejor, Moses Fasanya, Anthony Obi, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and chief T.A Orji the present governor of Abia state.
The creation of Abia State gave birth to the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps. Abia state chapter in the Year 1991 under the administration of Group capt. Frank Agobena as the then military head of state.
The states NYSC secretariat which in Umuahia, the state capital is located at No 13 Park Road Umuahia in Umuahia North Local Government area. The secretariat was established in 1991, and was headed by Mr. Uforth Etuk Ubom as the first state co-ordinator.
National Youth Service Corps Abia state permanent orientation camp was formally at Nsulu Game village in Isiala- Ngwa North local government area of Abia state. But in 2007, the orientation camp was transferred to Igbere by the then governor of the state, in the person of Dr orji Uzor Kalu. That is to say that, Abia state NYSC orientation camp is presently located at Igbere in Bende local government area of Abia state.
At present, Nation Youth Service corps. Abia state is headed by Mr. A.N Ozornma, as the state co-ordinator while Mrs. Mary Abia was the emeritus state co-ordinator made the development efforts of the scheme more challenging. The scheme has been played with several problems ranging from lack of funding, ethnicity problems, religious/ political crisis, as well as the unwillingness of graduates and corps members to dedicated service. These and many more has been a cog in the wheel of success of the scheme.
It is the aim of this research work to highlight and discuss the impact of the National Youth Service Corps scheme to National unity and development and in Abia state in particular. In addition, attempt will be made to highlight and examine services of the problems which militate against the schemes efforts to adequately contribute to Nigeria’s national development efforts.
1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this research work is steered towards;
raying and highlighting the purpose which the scheme is designed to play towards Nigeria’s national development.
To what extent to which the scheme has actually achieved this purpose particularly in Abia state.
To find out the problems facing the NYSC scheme in Abia state.
To profer lasting solution to these problems which stand as stumbling blocks on the road to success of the scheme
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Why was National Youth Service Corps Scheme introduced in Nigeria?
To what extent has the scheme contributed to the development and unity of the Nation?
What are the factors militating against the scheme’s efforts to adequately contribute to the unity and development in Nigeria.
In your opinion, do you think that the scheme has achieved its objectives?
If yes to the above question, to what extent has the objective been achieved?
Will you say that the scheme is properly funded?
Do you there is proper monitoring & evaluation of corps members activities?
If ‘No’ to the above question, what is the effect of this on corps member performance?
In your opinion, do you think that the monthly allowance (N977s) should be stepped up?
Will you say that Religious and political crisis are challenges to the schemes objective?
Does the scheme impact positively the lives of NYSC Members
1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
For the purpose of this study, the following hypothesis are used
That the NYSC scheme has contributed to the integration and unification of Nigeria.
That the NYSC scheme serves an instrument to the social, economic and political development in Nigeria.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The researcher considers this study a timely one, especially now that a lot of things are threatening the existence of Nigeria as a nation.
The significance of this study is based on the fact that it semi the general public and the Nigerian policy makers to the truth about the contribution of the NYSC scheme to the development, integration and unity of Nigeria as a nation.
Moreover, it will serve as a prerequisite to the award of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate and to many who may want to carry out more research work on the topic, this study will be useful to them.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study is on all about National Youth Service Corps Scheme. Considering the fact that the topic under research touches the entire nation and due to time and other constraints, the researcher has limited the study to NYSC Abia state.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Conducting a research of this nature cannot be done without meeting some constraints.
The researcher had limited time to explore the topic under research. Again, finance posed another problem. There was not enough fund for procurement of materials and to run around. This restricted the research to areas were much finance is not needed and to enable her meet the deadline.
In spite of the above mentioned limitations the reliability and validity of the study is not affected.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. ADMINISTRATION: The activities that are done in order to plan organize and run a business or an institution.
2. CORPS: A large unit of an army considering of 2 or more divisions. Group of people involved in a particular job or activity.
3. DECREE: An official order from a government that becomes the law.
4. DEVELOPMENT: Gradual growth of something, so that it becomes more advanced and stronger.
5. DYNAMIC: The way in which people or things behave and react to each other in a particular situation.
6. INTEGRATION: The act or process of combining two or more things so that they works together.
7. NATIONAL: Connected with a particular nation, shared by a whole nation. E.g they are afraid of loosing their national identity.
8. ORIENTATION COURSE: Induction programme where certain basic things are taught to people
9. SERVICE: System that provides something that the public needs.
10. UNITY: The state of being in agreement and working together.
11. YOUTH: Young people considered as a group the Nations Youth.
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National Youth Services Corps Scheme As An Instrument Of National Development:
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Nigeria is designed to serve as an instrument of national development by fostering unity, promoting social integration, and enhancing the overall development of the country. Established in 1973, NYSC has evolved over the years and played a crucial role in various aspects of national development. Here are some ways in which the NYSC scheme serves as an instrument of national development:
National Integration: One of the primary goals of the NYSC scheme is to promote national unity and integration by deploying young graduates from different parts of Nigeria to serve in states other than their states of origin. This helps to break down ethnic and regional barriers and fosters a sense of national identity and belonging.
Skills Acquisition: During the one-year service period, corps members are often engaged in community development projects, teaching assignments, and other activities that require them to learn new skills. This contributes to human capital development by equipping young graduates with practical skills that are relevant to the needs of their communities and the nation at large.
Community Development: National Youth Service Corps members are involved in various community development projects, such as healthcare outreach programs, infrastructure development, and educational initiatives. These projects have a direct impact on the development of local communities and contribute to the overall development of the country.
Cultural Exchange: Corps members are exposed to different cultures and traditions as they serve in different parts of Nigeria. This exposure fosters cultural understanding and tolerance, which are essential for national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Youth Engagement: National Youth Service Corps provides a platform for engaging the youth in meaningful activities that contribute to national development. It helps channel the energy and creativity of young graduates toward projects and initiatives that benefit society.
Data Collection and Research: National Youth Service Corps members often engage in data collection and research activities, which can provide valuable information for government and policymakers. This data can be used for planning and decision-making in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Disaster Relief and Response: During times of natural disasters or emergencies, NYSC members are sometimes mobilized to provide assistance and relief efforts. Their presence can help in the swift response to such crises, mitigating their impact on affected communities.
Youth Empowerment: National Youth Service Corps programs often include entrepreneurship and skill development training, empowering young graduates to become self-reliant and contribute to economic development.
Promotion of Patriotism: National Youth Service Corps instills a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility in young Nigerians, encouraging them to contribute positively to the development and well-being of the country.
Networking and Social Capital: National Youth Service Corps provides an opportunity for young graduates to network with people from diverse backgrounds and professions. These connections can be valuable for their personal and professional growth and can also be harnessed for national development initiatives.
In conclusion, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Nigeria serves as a multifaceted instrument of national development by fostering unity, skills acquisition, community development, cultural exchange, and youth engagement. It plays a vital role in building a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Nigeria. However, the effectiveness of the NYSC program depends on continuous evaluation, improvement, and adequate funding to ensure that it meets the evolving needs of the country