By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to collaborate with States Government to construct additional camps and expand existing ones to accommodate at least 5,000 participants in each States of the Federation;
The lawmakers also mandated the Federal Ministry of Youth, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to work out modalities to achieve the construction and expansion of NYSC orientation camps.
This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion by member representing Gwale Federal Constituency of Kano State, Rep. Garba Ibrahim Muhmmad, on the “Need to Establish Additional Permanent National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camps, Renovate and Expand the Existing Camps”.
The lawmaker noted that the National Youth Service Corps is a one-year mandatory program scheme established 22 May, 1973 with the objectives of fostering national unity, integration, patriotism and promoting peaceful coexistence among the citizens from different socio-cultural backgrounds;
Rep. Muhammad further stated that the NYSC Orientation Program Scheme annually trains thousands of youths across various learning institutions for three week, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge for the service year.
“Also aware that the management of NYSC had once decried the state of the orientation camps across Nigeria;
“Alarmed that some States lack orientation camps to accommodate and meet the increasing number of Corp members deployed, while other States temporarily utilize secondary school buildings to accommodate prospective Corps members;
“Disturbed by the current dilapidated state of permanent orientation camps in the country, which is causing dissatisfaction due to inadequate facilities overstretching the existing facilities, leaving Corp Members with no options other than to be redeployed to neighbouring states for camping activities;
“Concerned that due to space limitations, Corps members frequently have to travel for longer periods of time after being deployed;
“Cognizant of the need for spacious, habitable orientation camps, with each camp accommodating at least 5,000 participants at a time across the states of the Federation;
“Also cognizant of the need to ensure the provisions of the state-of-the-art facilities, build additional camps, to empower Nigerian Corp Members with life survival skills and strategies, ensuring sustainable development and evolutionary trends”, the motion reads in part.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandate the Committees on Youth Development and Legislative Compliance to ensure and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
