The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed social media claims suggesting that corps members need to upgrade their bank accounts in anticipation of the alleged N70,000 minimum wage implementation, on August 9, 2024.
In a statement, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Affairs, Eddy Megwa, stated that the scheme has not received any directives from relevant government agencies.
He also mentioned that there have been no updates regarding wage adjustments.
Mr. Megwa urged corps members and parents to ignore the report and not let troublemakers deceive Nigerians.
The statement reads:
“The attention of National Youth Service Corps Management has been drawn to a misleading information circulating in the media…
“Regarding the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to Corps Members and the directive to upgrade their accounts.
“This is absolute falsehood which is far from the truth.
“Corps members, parents, and members of the public should note that no directive has been received from the relevant sector of government responsible for wage matters.
“It is therefore impossible for the NYSC to issue any information on such.
“Corps members already know the approved channel and mode of communication in the scheme and should therefore ignore the directive accordingly.
“The NYSC, by this release, therefore admonishes Corps Members to desist from allowing mischief makers who are set to mislead Nigerians from continuing to play on their intelligence.
“Bloggers and social media influencers are warned to stop issuing statements that concern the management of the National Youth Service Corps without authorisation.”
About NYSC
Established in 1973, NYSC is a program aimed to foster national unity and development in Nigeria through service and engagement.
The program mandates that all Nigerian graduates under 30 years of age participate in a one-year service period.
During this time, they are deployed to various parts of the country to work in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Aims and Objectives of NYSC
The NYSC was created to achieve several key objectives:
Promotion of National Unity: Deploying young graduates to different regions fosters understanding and integration among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Development of Skills: The program helps participants develop skills for personal growth and national development.
Fostering Patriotism: It instills a sense of duty and commitment to the nation among the youth.
Contribution to Community Development: Corps members engage in community service through public health, education, and infrastructure development projects.
Benefits to Graduates
Participation in the NYSC program offers several benefits to Nigerian graduates:
Work Experience: Graduates gain practical experience in their fields of study and other areas, which enhances their employability.
Skill Development: The NYSC provides opportunities for corps members to learn new skills and take on leadership roles.
Networking: Participants build valuable connections with peers, employers, and mentors during their service year.
Financial Support: Corps members receive a monthly allowance, known as “allawee,” which helps them cover basic living expenses during their service year.
Allawee and the New Minimum Wage Law
With the recent increase in the minimum wage to ₦70,000, there have been discussions about adjusting the NYSC monthly allowance to reflect this change.
Currently, corps members receive ₦33,000 per month, which was last adjusted in 2020 following a previous minimum wage increase.
The NYSC Director-General has hinted that the allowance might be increased to match the new minimum wage.
However, this would require approval from the Federal Government and inclusion in the national budget.
Adjusting the NYSC allowance to ₦70,000 would greatly improve corps members’ financial stability, making their service year more manageable.
However, there is concern that such an increase might create disparities between corps members and other low-income earners.
This includes private sector workers, such as teachers and small-scale employees, who may not receive a similar wage adjustment.
The NYSC program is crucial in Nigeria, offering graduates vital life experiences and contributing to national development.
A potential NYSC allowance increase to match the new minimum wage would benefit young Nigerians if implemented effectively.