This abrupt reversal left these graduates in a state of uncertainty and financial and emotional strain, as they left their foreign base and jobs to participate in the NYSC program, serve their fatherland and be employable in Nigeria.
The dreams of some foreign graduates seeking to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program have been dashed following the decision of NYSC to deny them entry into the orientation camps, despite receiving initial clearance from the Ministry of Education and NYSC. This abrupt reversal left these graduates in a state of uncertainty and financial and emotional strain, as they left their foreign base and jobs to participate in the NYSC program, serve their fatherland and be employable in Nigeria.
For these graduates, the journey to NYSC participation began with hope and anticipation, as they diligently followed the necessary procedures, obtained clearance from both the Ministry of Education and NYSC. However, their dreams were shattered when they arrived at orientation camps, after receiving call up letter and travelling several miles to the orientation camp only to be denied registration in camp and informed that a circular was received from NYSC headquarters not to register these graduates
The financial implications of this decision can not be overstated. Many of these graduates had already vested significantly in preparing for their return to Nigeria, including leaving their employment, purchasing plane tickets; the process of obtaining initial Ministry of Education clearance which involves multiple trips to Abuja, and ultimately making a trip to the camp is a huge financial burden of which falls squarely on the shoulders of these students and their parents.
Furthermore, the emotional toll of this ordeal can not be ignored. These graduates had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve their country and contribute to its development through the NYSC program. Being denied entry after receiving initial clearance not only dashes their hopes and aspirations but also undermines their confidence in the fairness and integrity of the system.
Case in point, a UK graduate did foundational courses and programmes in APTECH Nigeria and took the final year program in an accredited UK university. The accredited UK university granted the degree after considering the credit units of the courses taken in Nigeria, the multiple professional certifications, and the rigorous one year program in the UK to award the degree. This arrangement is not limited to Nigeria, students came from India and other parts of the world obtaining their degrees through this process.
The impulsive decision to deny these foreign graduates from participating in the NYSC program raises serious questions about the transparency and consistency of NYSC policies and procedures. Without the NYSC program, these foreign degree holders are unemployable despite performing brilliantly well in a recruitment process and getting employment offers in competition with other Nigerian graduates based on their outstanding skills and competences.
It is unacceptable for students who have followed all necessary protocols and received clearance from the appropriate authorities, including NYSC call-up letter, to report to camp and be denied participation without adequate explanation or recourse.
In light of these concerns, affected students, their families, and concerned citizens are calling on the NYSC to review its decision and provide a clear and transparent explanation for the denial of entry. Additionally, they urge the government to consider the financial and emotional hardships faced by these graduates, the denied emploment opportunity in the face of unemployment in Nigeria, and to provide appropriate support and assistance.
The NYSC program is a vital institution in Nigeria, promoting national unity, integration, and youth empowerment. However, its credibility and effectiveness depend on fair and consistent implementation of its policies. By denying entry to qualified graduates who have followed all necessary procedures, the NYSC undermines its own mission and risks, alienating a crucial segment of Nigeria's youth population.
It is imperative that the NYSC and relevant government authorities address these issues promptly and transparently, to restore the faith of foreign graduates in the integrity of the program and ensure that all qualified participants have the opportunity to contribute to the nation's development through service and sacrifice which ultimately license them to be employable in Nigeria. NYSC is inevitable to anyone who intends to be in the Nigerian workforce.