Scrap NYSC If You Can’t Protect Corpers, Parents Tell Tinubu
The National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, Haruna Danjuma, has told the Federal Government to scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme if it cannot guarantee the safety of corps members across the country.
Danjuma made the call amid growing concerns over the security of corps members following reported cases of kidnappings, killings, and attacks in several parts of the country.
The PTA President, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, said parents were increasingly worried about the dangers young graduates face during the mandatory national service year.
“On behalf of parents, we are not happy with what is happening. It is painful to lose a child. It is not easy to train a child from birth until they complete university and then at NYSC, the child gets kidnapped,” he noted.
Danjuma noted that since participation in the scheme is compulsory for graduates, the government has a responsibility to guarantee their safety.
“We have repeatedly said that the government has the responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of all Nigerians. Since they engaged these young graduates in the scheme, they must ensure the safety of our children.
“The Federal Government should ensure that governors and the security architecture of each state sign an undertaking guaranteeing the safety of corps members before they are deployed there,” he added.
He warned that if adequate protection could not be provided, the programme should be discontinued.
“If you cannot protect the lives of these children, then scrap the NYSC because the value of the scheme is already defeated if the children are not safe,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
