Parents Demand NYSC Abolishment Over Safety Concerns

Parents, represented by Haruna Danjuma, President of the Parent Teacher Association, are calling on the Nigerian government to abolish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme if it cannot ensure the safety of corps members. This plea arises amid growing concerns over the security of young graduates, particularly following reports of kidnappings and attacks across the country.

Danjuma emphasized the pain of losing a child after years of training and education, highlighting that the NYSC is compulsory for graduates. Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, echoed these concerns, criticizing the NYSC's management for allegedly leaving families to handle kidnappings without adequate support.

The situation is exemplified by the case of Musa Abba, a corps member abducted in Zamfara State, whose family struggled to meet ransom demands. Parents are demanding that the government take responsibility for the safety and welfare of young graduates during their service year, warning that if security cannot be guaranteed, the NYSC should be discontinued.