"Corps members are on reserve for war," says DG NYSC

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) director-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim has said all corps members are on reserve for war emphasising that they are part of the national defence policy of Nigeria and can be mobilised for war if need be.

Mr Ibrahim made this known during an interview session with Channels TV ‘Sunrise Daily’ programme on Wednesday while reacting to moves to scrap the NYSC scheme amid security concerns a move which has been major discussion among Nigerians and the elites.

“Corps members are on reserve. They are part of the national defence policy of this country. So, where there is serious war, our corps members are educated, they are knowledgeable and they can be trained,” he said.

“Imagine three weeks in the orientation camp and [how] the corps members are moulded. You see the drill and so on.

“You see the female corps member playing beagle and playing the military band. If not for the knowledge, I wonder where you are going to mobilise such young Nigerians to train them quickly to put in their best for the country.

“Parents should teach their children the spirit of patriotism so that, wherever you find yourself, you add value. By the time you leave, you have a lot of stories to tell. I was an ex-corps member. Parents should support them.

“The federal government cares for their (corps members’) welfare. However, security is everyone’s business.”

The NYSC boss argued that insecurity is not enough reason to scrap the scheme besides, insecurity is a national issue that affects not just the scheme alone.

However, the federal House of Representatives received a proposal to scrap NYSC and the bill has been second for second reading.

Some of the highlighted reasons for considering the discontinuation of the scheme, according to the sponsor include; insecurity, religious extremism and ethnic violence, among others.

Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media seem to disagree with the NYSC boss on his statement as many believe it is preposterous to consider corps members as a reserve for war.

Would you accept to fight Boko Haram as a Corps member if need be?

Let’s have your thought in the comment box below