Reps Consider Scrapping NYSC

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

A bill to amend the 1999 constitution to scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

The bill was introduced last week by Awaji-Inimbek Abiante (PDP, Rivers). It is seeking to repeal section 315(5a) of the 1999 constitution and the National Youth Service Corps Act.

According to the synopsis of the bill obtained by PREMIUMTIMES, Mr Abiante cited insecurity, exploitation by place of primary assignment and poor state of orientation camps.

The scheme was set up in 1973 by the Yakubu Gowon administration, as part of strategies to foster unity in the post-civil war era.

It was established by decree 24.

However, the scheme has come under heavy criticism of late because of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

PREMIUMTIMES had reported the neglect of a Corps member affected by the Suleja bomb blast of 2011.

In December, armed robbers attacked 17 corps members, killing one along Abuja-Kaduna road.