by Folarin Samson
Few months ago, there was a raging debate on what should be the fate of the NYSC scheme consequent on the Bauchi mayhem in which ten corps members were slain and myriads injured. Many prospective corps members understandably called for the immediate scrapping of the scheme to avert further waste of our intellectual resources. As an intending corps member then, I tried hard to avoid being bitter but my apprehension was legible.However, after the first three weeks which was the orientation session, I am beginning to have a better perspective on the initiative.
Only three weeks with corps members from other states of the federation and I have seen and learnt a lot. The regimented nature of the camp mirrored my unchecked excesses. For instance, we were expected to be up from bed as early as 4:00am. Prior to the camp, I was waking up at 9am since I had nothing to do. But the camp prunned this flabbiness. Again, the instruction was to obey the last command. This means no room for complaining or excuse making which is good for discipline and productivity.
Aside this is relating with people from other parts of the country. During a particular session, we were asked to sit in threes and interact. When the young man next to me introduced himself as coming from Bauchi, my heart-beat increased by reflex. I was literally disturbed and fear seized me. But I later discovered he was a fine gentleman and my fright and suspicion gave way to mutual affection.
But most importantly, in the course of group interaction, I discovered certificates and institutions are not true measure of academic ingenuity. University graduates are no better than their counterparts in the polytechnics and colleges of
education. In fact, institutions don't make students, but students make institutions. This became much evident in the weight, thoughtfulness and articulation of contributions during various fora. Hence, the discrepancies and baseless preference of degree holders over HND certificate holders is not only unjust but detrimental to the health of our nation.
And we had memorable moments with the no-nonsense soldiers. The early morning jugging, drilling, field exercises, the man o war citizenship and leadership fitness stunts of walking on ropes, climbing trees, mounting tall structures all made the camp fun. And yes, we had our unique
refrains with which the soldiers talk to us: 'If you are walking, you're wrong; are you doubting me?' Then we'll all erupt in laughter as we scuttle to escape arrest.
On another interesting side, I think the NYSC is achieving its purpose. I see here some inter-tribal romantic relationships burgeoning subtly but swiftly. The under the shade discussions, selective isolations, 'platoonic' associations are all strong indicators of something being in the offing despite the taunting of our soldier friends that 'if corpers marry corpers den go born mumu'
The highpoint of the camp came when it was announced that Mr. President has officially approved the upward review of our allowance from 9,700 to 19,800. The corps members were overwhelmed with excitement. Some banged tables, others carried chairs as the frenzy matured. Dust swirled around, the walls echoed back the din. It was celebration time.
I wish to say to fellow Nigerian students who are fearful of the NYSC scheme that the one year of service to fatherland is something to look forward to. It offers a golden opportunity to explore the diversity of the country and meet with fellow countrymen distanced by geographical delineation. It should be embraced, enjoyed and encouraged.The presence of overage corps members who create laughable scenes as they try hard to roll back the hand of time, mouth parade chants, jug with tired feet is a study in patrotism to lazy youths.
In the spirit of discipline, diligence, passion that have been infused into our blood stream in these twenty one days full-course rigorous mental, physical and emotional training, we charge into our places of primary assignment. Ready to beam our illuminating candles of knowledge where there is ignorance, give hope to the unknown and forgotten, put smiles on some sick and shrinking faces that have been torn by dejection and rejection. We will not be intimidated by the thick and threatening forests of impossibilities. We will not die in our pursuit of a better Nigeria devoid of ethnic consideration, religious collision and myopic concessions.
Today, we stand before our governor, doffing our caps to signal our readiness to take on the enormous challenges of the state and pledging to faithfully serve with patriotic dispatch. We will persist, insist, resist until Nigeria consist all we list. No backing out! I can hear the resonating chorus of our anthem on the vibrating lips of fellow corps members as we obey the clarion call to lift our nation high. Under the sun or in the rain, with dedication and selflessness because Nigeria's ours, it is Nigeria we serve.
By Folarin Samson
A graduate of mass comm, Unilag
and a serving Batch B corps member
In Ebonyi State
08030572852, childofdkingdom@yahoo.com
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