NYSC @ 50: University Don Advocates Increase Allowance For Corp Members
Dr. Linda Kwon-Dong, Lecturer with the Department of Political Science, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has advocated increase allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Mrs Kwon-Dong made the call on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State while delivering lecture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYSC scheme.
The guest lecturer represented by Prof Emmanuel Kwon-Dong of department Plants Science of FULafia, said given the present economy realities, the N34, monthly allowances to corp members is grossly inadequate.
Dr. Kwon-Dong argued that corp members should be paid an amount that would enable them feed and save to enable set up business to be self-reliance and employers of labour.
She explained that given the increasing rate of unemployment in the country, the government should also assist corp members with money at the end of their service year to start a business.
The university Don lauded NYSC for the opportunity they have offered to corp members to socialize at the orientation camp, and impact in their host communities through community development service (CDS).
She explained that the scheme had contributed immensely in every aspect of the national life, ranging from education, health, sanitation and infrastructural development among others.
She also advocated improved funding to the scheme by the Federal Government to enable them better the welfare of corp members.
Earlier, Mr Abdullahi Jikamshi, Nasarawa State Coordinator of NYSC, welcomed all the corp members and guest who grace the programme to mark the 50th anniversary of the scheme.
The Coordinator explained that the scheme created by decree no 24 of May 22, 1973 had undergone transformation and had captured the attention of the youths.
He explained that NYSC which started with 2, 364 corp members in 2973, is now mobilising over 300, 000 annually across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
He added that during the three-weeks orientation course, corp members were thought on discipline, improve physical and mental health, social and leader skills as well as entrepreneurship training.
On their contributions in Nasarawa State, the coordinator said that members are rendering services such construction of bridges, free healthcare delivery, adult literacy education, extramural lessons in the 13 Local Government Areas.
He explained that through the service, some corp members who met during service year became couples and some set up private schools and medical facilities among others in the state and are doing well.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Abdullahi Sule represented by Aephonsus Maikeffi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Legal Matters and Youth Affairs, commended them for their contributions to the state.
The governor promised to continue to give priority to their welfare and support them where necessary for smooth operation in the state.
The highlights of the lecture includes; testimonies by ex-corp members who had established thier businesses and settled in the state.
The event also featured presentation of awards to the best corp members employee, best NYSC friendly Local Government Area, best staff among others.
END.
