By John Umeh
Growing concerns about rising insecurity have sparked a wave of rejection among Nigerian graduates assigned to certain states under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Many prospective corps members are reportedly refusing postings to parts of the North and the South-East, citing fears of kidnappings, violent attacks, and unstable security situations.
Some graduates told reporters they would rather pay “connection fees” to secure direct postings to perceived safer states than risk their lives serving in volatile regions. “It’s not about laziness or indiscipline,” said one prospective corps member. “Everyone is scared. We’ve seen too many stories of abduction and violence in these areas. I’d rather spend my money than gamble with my safety.”
NYSC officials have repeatedly warned that rejecting official postings or paying for direct placements is illegal and punishable under the programme’s guidelines. However, insiders admit that the practice of influencing postings is on the rise, with some parents and graduates discreetly arranging alternative deployments.
Security analysts have also pointed out that the trend reflects a larger national crisis: citizens’ declining confidence in the state’s ability to protect them. “The NYSC scheme was originally created to foster unity and national integration,” one analyst noted. “But insecurity is now undermining its purpose.”
Despite assurances by government authorities that corps members’ safety remains a priority, the growing exodus from high-risk states suggests many young Nigerians are unwilling to take chances. Unless the security situation improves, observers warn, the NYSC could struggle to maintain its relevance as a unifying national programme.
