Corps members of the 2024 NYSC Batch A Stream 2 have completed their one-year national service, but many are not fully happy. Even though they received the ₦77,000 allowance approved by the federal government, they are now asking the government to pay the remaining arrears that are still unpaid.
Many of the corps members said this money will help them become independent and start a new life. They said things are very expensive in the country now and getting a job is not easy. So, they believe the full payment of their allowances will help them manage better and do something useful with their lives.
Corps Members Thankful but Still Worried
The passing-out parade for Batch A Stream 2 took place quietly at the Federal Secretariat in Kano State. It was a day of both joy and worry for many young graduates. They were happy to finish their NYSC year, but they also felt the government should do more for them.
One corps member, Isma’il Isah, said:
“We thank the government for paying the ₦77,000. But it’s not enough. We are still waiting for the arrears. We have plans to start small businesses or go for further studies. Every single naira is important for us right now.”
Another corps member, Sani Samuel, also confirmed that he received the money. He thanked the NYSC officials in Kano for their support throughout the service year. He said he believes the government will soon pay the remaining allowances because it will help corps members become self-reliant.
Some Corps Members Happy, Others Expect More
Tahir Muhammad Musbahudeen, another corps member, said he was happy to finish his service. He thanked the government for keeping its promise and paying the allowance. But like others, he also reminded the government that they are still waiting for their unpaid arrears.
“We are excited to finish our NYSC year. It’s a great feeling. But we want the government to do more. If they really care about the youth, they should pay us the full arrears. It will show they care about our future,” Tahir said.
He also had some advice for the NYSC management. He asked them to make the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program better by adding new training on technology. He said things like digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and software development are now very important.
“If NYSC can train us in modern tech skills, we can be ready for today’s world. We can also compete globally and make our country proud,” he added.
NYSC Official Speaks About the Service Year
During the same passing-out ceremony in Kano, the NYSC Assistant Director for Corps Deployment and Relocation, Mr. Fatogun Olatunji, shared some key information. He said that 1,867 corps members from Batch A Stream 2 finished their service in Kano State.
Olatunji, who is currently serving as the Acting NYSC State Coordinator in Kano, also gave a warning to corps members who abandoned their service year. He said they will face punishment, including extra service time. He made it clear that every corps member must meet all NYSC requirements to be cleared after service.
He also encouraged the outgoing corps members to make good use of what they learned in the SAED program. According to him, the program was introduced to help young people gain important skills and become job creators instead of job seekers.
“The SAED training is for your benefit. You can now start your own business and become financially independent. Don’t just sit and wait for white-collar jobs. Use what you have learned and contribute to the society,” he said.
NYSC Ends with Mixed Feelings
The NYSC passing-out parade in Kano had a mix of emotions. Many were happy to finish their service year. They celebrated with friends and family. But behind the smiles, many of them were still thinking about what will happen next.
They are stepping into the real world where jobs are few and things are costly. So, they want the government to support them fully. They say that with proper help, they can build a better future and help the country grow.
Since the NYSC program started in 1973, it has helped millions of young Nigerians get some work and life experience. It also promotes unity in the country by posting people to different states. But over the years, one big problem that keeps coming up is money. Corps members often complain about delays in payment, low allowances, and poor welfare.
Now that the ₦77,000 was paid, corps members are saying thank you. But they are also reminding the government that this is not the full payment. They need the remaining money to plan their lives after service.
Corps Members Call for Support and Technology Skills
The demand for unpaid arrears is not just about money. It’s also about survival. Corps members say the country is not easy right now. Food, transport, rent, and even education have become expensive. Without money, many of them feel lost.
That is why they are asking both the government and NYSC to do more. They want programs like SAED to be updated to include tech-based training. They say learning about things like coding, online business, and social media marketing can help them get jobs or start businesses from their homes.
They also believe that these skills will make Nigerian youths strong and ready for the future. They want to work and succeed, not just depend on government jobs or allowances.
In the end, the message from the 2024 Batch A Stream 2 corps members is clear: “Thank you for the N77,000, but we still need our arrears. Please help us build our future.”