The leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has decried what it called the delay in the payment of the N77,000 allowances to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
It noted that despite promises made over seven months ago to increase monthly allowances from N33,000 to N77,000, the Federal Government has not fulfilled its commitment.
A statement by Chairman Campus Monitoring Committee Osun State, Comr. Olayinka Popoola,urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure that the payment of the new allowance structure begins this month.
The statement read:”The NYSC programme, established in 1973, serves not only as a platform for fostering unity among Nigerian youths but also as a means for them to contribute positively to society. Every year, thousands of graduates dedicate their time and efforts to serve in various capacities across the nation, often in challenging environments. They are expected to shoulder significant responsibilities, working in education, healthcare, agriculture,, oftentimes with limited resources.
However, these contributions demand that the government ensures adequate support through timely financial assistance.
“The increase in allowance promised by the government was not merely a financial uplift; it was a recognition of the invaluable services NYSC members provide and an acknowledgment of the rising cost of living in the country. The delay in implementing this much-needed increment is not just a bureaucratic oversight; it is a disservice to our young leaders who are doing their best to propel Nigeria toward a brighter future.
“With the recent appointment of a new Director-General for the NYSC, there lies an opportunity for the government to address this pressing issue. We urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure that the payment of the new allowance structure begins this month. It is essential that the administration understands the urgency of this matter and the impact it has on the lives of these graduates and their families.
“As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year, we call upon the relevant authorities to prioritise the disbursement of these funds. It is crucial to restore the faith of Nigerian youths in the government and to affirm that their sacrifices are valued.
We, the leadership of NAUS, stand ready to collaborate with the government in ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to resolve this issue expediently.”
