“Go To Your Parents, Not Your Boyfriends After Collecting Certificates.” ~ NYSC Coordinator Tells Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Coordinator in Gombe State, Dawut Jidda, has advised corps members to return to their parents after completing their service year rather than going to their boyfriends. Jidda gave the advice during the passing-out ceremony for the 2023 Batch A Stream II corps members in Gombe on Thursday.

He emphasized the importance of young women prioritizing their families after collecting their discharge certificates, urging them to reunite with their parents before making any other decisions. According to him, parents have played a crucial role in their children’s education and well-being, so they should be the first to see their children after the completion of the NYSC program.

Jidda’s statement was aimed particularly at female corps members, as he noted a growing trend where some young women visit their boyfriends or partners immediately after their service year instead of returning home. He stressed that parents, who have provided support throughout their education and service year, deserve to be acknowledged and appreciated first.

The NYSC coordinator also encouraged corps members to apply the skills they acquired during the service year to build productive futures for themselves. He reminded them of the importance of self-reliance, urging them to take advantage of entrepreneurship and vocational training opportunities they had received. Jidda advised them to focus on building their careers and contributing positively to society rather than being distracted by social pressures.

He further commended the corps members for their contributions to various sectors during their service, particularly in education, health, and rural development. He acknowledged their efforts in community projects and encouraged them to maintain the discipline and resilience they had developed during the NYSC program.

The event in Gombe marked the official completion of the one-year mandatory service for the corps members. The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, was designed to foster national unity and integration by deploying graduates to different parts of the country for community service. Over the years, it has remained a significant program for Nigerian youths, providing them with opportunities to gain work experience and contribute to national development.

Jidda’s advice sparked reactions from some corps members, with some agreeing with his stance while others saw it as a personal choice that should not be dictated. Many acknowledged the role of parents in their lives but argued that adulthood comes with personal decision-making. Some female corps members noted that relationships are part of life, and visiting a boyfriend does not necessarily mean disregarding their parents.

Despite the mixed reactions, the NYSC coordinator’s message was clear—family should come first, and corps members should show gratitude to their parents for their sacrifices. He also urged them to remain responsible citizens and make meaningful contributions to their communities after leaving the program.

The passing-out ceremony concluded with the presentation of discharge certificates to corps members, marking the end of their service year. Many expressed excitement about the next phase of their lives, with some planning to further their education, start businesses, or seek employment opportunities.