My Unforgettable NYSC Journey in Kaduna and Katsina by Tony Felix Nwaka

I often feel nostalgic when I read discussions about scrapping the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). My own experience with the scheme was exceptionally fascinating.

I graduated with a degree in History from the University of Lagos in 1987. I should have joined the first batch of corps members from my school, but I didn’t. As a 22-year-old with big dreams of traveling abroad immediately after graduation, I decided to skip the process. Many of my peers had already left for Europe and the US, and I was eager to join them. I figured I could always complete the service when I returned.

However, as the saying goes, “Man proposes, God disposes.” My plans fell through, and I found myself in a state of despair. Eventually, I had to accept reality and register with the second batch of graduates for the NYSC.

The NYSC office was on Babs Animashaun Road, Surulere, Lagos. I’m not sure if it’s still there today, but that’s where my NYSC journey began.

I walked into the office dejectedly and navigated through a cluster of bungalows to the schedule officer’s office. The room was chaotic, with prospective corps members pleading to be posted to their preferred locations. I stood in a corner, observing the commotion. The schedule officer, a dark-skinned woman struggling to manage the crowd, eventually noticed me.

“Hey, young man, have you not come for your posting?” she asked.

“I have, ma,” I replied weakly.

“Good! Come over here. Everyone make way for him,” she commanded.

As I approached her desk, she asked, “Where do you want to be posted?”

“Madam, just post me to anywhere in the country,” I said.

The room erupted in disbelief. The officer, looking intently at me, asked if I really meant anywhere in the country. I confirmed, adding that I preferred the northern part of Nigeria since I had never been there.

She was impressed by my willingness and posted me to Kaduna State. However, I ended up in one of the remotest communities in Katsina State.

With money from my elder sister, I set off for Kaduna by night bus. It was an adventurous journey, and I arrived in Zaria the next morning, where the orientation camp was located. The camp held two unforgettable experiences: losing all my allowances in a card game to a fellow corps member and a miscalculation that led to my posting in Burdugau Kwakware Nabadau, a small community in Katsina State.

The journey to Burdugau was long and challenging. The village had no electricity or water, and we had to travel to a neighboring community to access basic necessities. Despite the hardships, the experience turned out to be transformative. The people in Burdugau were incredibly hospitable, and I made lasting friendships.

Occasionally, I traveled back to Kaduna to visit my uncles, who provided support and encouragement. The communities I served in were peaceful, though it saddens me to hear about the current banditry in those areas.

In Burdugau, I played football and even scored a goal in an inter-village match, earning the admiration of the locals. The people were predominantly Muslims, but there was no religious tension. My fond memories of the NYSC experience include the camaraderie and kindness of the villagers.

Despite some challenges with a new principal, my overall NYSC experience was positive. My NYSC certificate reads Kaduna State, but I actually served in areas now known as Katsina State due to state creation.

Regarding the debate on scrapping the NYSC, I find myself in a dilemma. While I cherish my NYSC experience, the current security situation makes it difficult to support the scheme as it is. My wife, whom I met during her NYSC service in Asaba, and I have five children. I would be hesitant to let any of them serve in some parts of the country today.

Rather than scrapping the NYSC, I suggest a middle ground. The scheme should remain operational, but corps members should not be posted to high-risk areas. The integrative ideals of the NYSC are more relevant now than ever, and we should have a thoughtful dialogue to preserve its positive aspects.

Dr. Tony Felix Nwaka is the former Commissioner for Education, Delta State, and the author of “Mountain of Yesterday.”

CREDIT: VANGUARD NEWS NIGERIA