In an exclusive interview with ABNews, Lawal Sam Oluwamuyiwa, a recent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) graduate who served in Lagos State, shared his experiences and thoughts on the NYSC program, the educational system, and the challenges faced by young Nigerians today.
Reflecting on his service year, Oluwamuyiwa expressed deep gratitude to both the Lagos State government and the federal government for the opportunity. “It’s not an easy task to manage, accommodate, feed, and pay thousands of corps members simultaneously,” he said. “I feel privileged to have had the chance to serve and be served in this capacity.”
However, Oluwamuyiwa emphasized the need for continual updates to certain aspects of the NYSC program, particularly regarding corps members’ allowances and uniforms. “The pay should be reviewed annually to reflect the current economic situation,” he suggested. “Even the khaki uniform could use improvement; I rarely wear the khaki boots because they’re not comfortable. I believe I speak for many corps members on this issue.”
He also pointed out the varying standards of accommodations provided to corps members, noting that hostels and lodges could be better maintained. “Sometimes, the responsibility for accommodation is shifted to the Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). It would be more encouraging if states could provide standard lodges for corps members, making the experience more welcoming.”
In another development, there were reports of low stipend payments to corps members in parts of Plateau State, highlighting a wider issue of inconsistency in the support provided to corps members across the country.
Oluwamuyiwa also shared his concerns about the broader challenges facing young Nigerians, particularly around financial stability and home ownership. “The educational system does not fully prepare youths to support themselves independently,” he observed. “Given the current economic conditions, a young person graduating at 23 or 24, earning around the minimum wage, would find it nearly impossible to save enough to buy a house by their mid-thirties.”
To address this, Oluwamuyiwa suggested that the government introduce supportive mortgage loan options for civil servants and other dedicated professionals. “In other countries, young people can buy homes through long-term mortgage plans that allow them to pay gradually. In Nigeria, having access to similar support would make a huge difference, especially for those who have been in service for at least 10 years.”
When asked about age restrictions for university admissions, Oluwamuyiwa dismissed them as unnecessary. “There’s no age limit on learning,” he remarked. “I recently read about a 12-year-old in college in the US, which is a testament to how much environment influences opportunities and mindsets.”
Finally, Oluwamuyiwa offered words of encouragement to his fellow youth, urging them to consider active participation in politics. “If we truly understand how things work, we can drive change,” he said. “You can’t create change at the grassroots alone—it requires involvement at higher levels. So stay committed to your pursuits and let genuine impact be your motivation, not just money.”
