Growing insecurity across Nigeria is changing how many fresh graduates view the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with fears of kidnapping, violent attacks, and unsafe travel overshadowing what was once considered a symbol of national unity and patriotism.
Many prospective corps members now say personal safety has become their top priority ahead of mobilisation, with some already planning to seek redeployment to states they consider safer or even opting out of the scheme entirely.
A prospective corps member from Lagos, who asked not to be identified, said she constantly worries about where she will be posted because of the country’s security challenges.
According to her, she would prefer to serve in a state close to Lagos and would pursue redeployment if assigned elsewhere, citing concerns about kidnapping and the financial burden of ransom demands on families.
She also disclosed that her parents strongly oppose the idea of her serving in a distant state because of the growing insecurity across the country.
Another graduate, who declined to participate in the NYSC programme, said he chose not to enrol because he did not believe his safety could be guaranteed while travelling or serving in unfamiliar parts of Nigeria.
He explained that repeated reports of kidnappings, attacks on travellers, and insecurity convinced him that the risks outweighed the benefits of national service.
Similar concerns were echoed by other prospective corps members, many of whom said they now view NYSC mobilisation with anxiety rather than excitement.
Several serving corps members also admitted that insecurity influenced their decisions to seek redeployment to states they considered safer and closer to home.
Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC scheme was created to promote national integration by posting graduates to states outside their regions of origin, encouraging cultural exchange and national unity.
However, worsening insecurity has sparked renewed debate over whether the programme still serves its purpose under current conditions.
Available reports show that over the years, corps members have been victims of kidnappings, road attacks, violent conflicts, and fatal accidents while travelling for orientation camps, monthly clearance, and official assignments.
Recent incidents, including the abduction of prospective corps members, attacks on serving members, and the disappearance of others while travelling, have further heightened public concern over the safety of participants.
Parents also expressed growing fears, with many saying they now worry more about their children’s safety than the opportunities the programme offers.
Security experts argued that while the NYSC remains important for national integration, the government must strengthen security measures and avoid deploying corps members to high-risk areas.
Some analysts suggested restricting corps members to serving within their states or regions until the country’s security situation improves, while others insisted the scheme should be retained but reformed to better protect participants.
Mental health professionals also warned that constant fear of insecurity could expose corps members and their families to anxiety, emotional stress, and other psychological challenges.
Despite the concerns, many experts believe the objectives of the NYSC remain relevant, provided adequate reforms and stronger security measures are introduced to guarantee the safety of participants.
