- Halimah Olamide
The hope of Nigerian youth corps members for an improved allowance of N77,000 as promised by the Federal Government from February, has been dashed as they received the same old N33,000 allowance.
NPO Reports recalls that the Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, had given corps members the assurance while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina in January that they will start receiving a monthly allowance of N77,000 in February 2025.
“This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed. By next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000.” He said.
The promise from the Federal Government raised hope and expectation among many corps members as many are relying heavily on the stipends throughout their service period.
However, on disbursement of the February salary, many have expressed shock, frustration and disappointment over the amount they were paid with some calling on the government to clarify the situation and ensure that the promised increment is effected without further delay.
A corps member (name withheld), who spoke to NPO Reports confirmed the news, saying she put her hope in the Federal government to keep to their promise as it would really go a long way.
“I really tried to have hope in the Federal government to stick to their promise and pay this N77k because it would really go a long way for me but it’s still the usual.”
Popular X user and influencer, Theo Abu, @TheoAbuAgada expressed disappointment as regards the latest development,
“The government promising and failing to pay the NYSC Corps Members of their monthly 77k last month is something I never thought would happen in my lifetime.
“I’m so sad and down. Prayers for these young people in rural communities serving our nation.
“Pay them their 77k now.” He said.
@Ibbeejay said, “If it’s true that this Feb alawee na 33k, it’s unfair & inhuman.
“You post youth far from their state to serve where they know nobody, some find it difficult to feed, sum copers are now calling home for help.”
“If they can’t fund this NYSC they better scrap it out than suffering the youth.”
@yokunade1 remarked, “NYSC promised us 77k but later paid 33k, how many people I wan tell now say nah 33k them pay even my papa sev think say nah 77k I dey collect.”
@ntuimodesty said, “Nysc is just a total waste of time and money with nothing to show.”
@lesstalk355 stated, “Nysc is a useless program set up by the government…
“The governments are fools
“Thank God I didn’t do this services…God forbid…I ghosted it and use their own money to block it .
“Nonsense program in a nonsense country.”
@UdojiCredo said, “Believe anything the NYSC DG and Federal government tells you at your won peril. What a failed government.”
@quidbuddy stated that the false promises of the NYSC DG should warrant immediate retirement.“The government’s deceptive practices and broken promises are alarming.
“The NYSC Director-General’s decision to provide misleading information to Corp members scattered throughout Nigeria warrants immediate retirement.
“In light of the government’s financial constraints, which hinder its ability to cater to Corp members’ welfare, it should reassess the scheme’s viability.
“Either making it optional or discontinuing it would prevent further hardship for graduates who have already faced significant challenges during their academic pursuits, all under the guise of national service.”