Omotola tells Buhari to 'scrap NYSC' and introduce 'skill acquisition'

Award-winning Nollywood actress and entrepreneur, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) because it is 'not useful.'

Speaking with the NewTelegraph, Omotola said her advice to Buhari is that the compulsory one year scheme should be stopped.

"He should scrap NYSC," she said.

"It’s not useful, he should please do that for Nigerians."

According to the actress, the NYSC has not achieved the purpose for which is was set up over the years.

"I have looked at the programme thoroughly and exactly what it’s supposed to have achieved over the years.

"Believe me, there is no credible or tangible result.

"It’s a total waste of time and resources and I think all the time and resources should be channeled into something more resourceful."

Omotola suggested that programmes targeted at tackling unemployment would be more valuable.

READ: Buhari says NYSC should remain 'to promote integration'

"We have had situations whereby the young ones, after graduation, are with no jobs.

"They start roaming the streets or even go into crime to survive.

"This is an urgent situation that needs to be addressed.

"Let us make good plans for our children, instead of going to waste a whole year of their struggle, claiming they are serving their fatherland.

"They should be trained and equipped with skills. That way, their future is secure.

It is unlikely that Omotola's advice would be heeded by President Buhari who only last week said the NYSC should remain as a tool for national unity.

“I firmly believe in NYSC and I think it should remain a national programme to promote integration," Buhari had said during a meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Meanwhile, there are reports that scheme may soon be made voluntary.

Olawunmi reportedly made the revelation last Wednesday during a presidential briefing, informing the President the Corps is influenced by the increasing number of prospective Corp members and paucity of funds.

It is believed that making the scheme voluntary will cut down the number of participants and make it easier to manage the scheme easier.

READ: Participation in NYSC soon to be fully optional — Reports

The statement further stated that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Rabi Jimeta, told Buhari that the NYSC has been unable to cater for corps members because of inadequate funds.

She told the President that the number of participants is expected to be as high as 300,000 in 5 years.

"Given the increasing number of tertiary institutions, our projection is that the number of corps participants may rise to 300,000 by year 2020," Jimeta said.

According to her, 229,016 corps members were enrolled in 2014.

Buhari spoke in favor of the continuous existence of the NYSC programme, stressing its importance as a tool for national unity.