Administrative Challenges of The National Youth Service Corps Scheme in Imo State, Nigeria (2003-2011)

ABSTRACT

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) essentially was construed as an instrument of national unity and socio-cultural integration. It was established by the General Yakubu Gowon Administration in Decree no. 24 of 1973. Seen and conceived as a rallying and unifying force for Nigerians, especially the youth, the corps members were to use their period of service to acquaint themselves with the traditions and cultures of other various ethnic groups of their areas of primary assignment. The study incisively explored the extent to which the National Youth Service Corps scheme was administered in Imo State within the period 2003-2011. It set out to probe how some critical variables like human resources, funding and communication impinged on the administration of the scheme. Data for the study were generated through two sources: Primary and Secondary. The primary sources were questionnaire and personal interviews. The secondary sources included books, journals, Government publications, Magazines and internet materials. Presentation and analysis of data were qualitative and deductive. To achieve this, qualitative materials were classified into appropriate categories using statistical tables and bar charts. We employed simple percentages, means, Chi square and basic statistical tools to analyze the data derived from questionnaires. The study took its bearing from the implementation theory that helped us address the administrative challenges of the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Imo State. It was found that there were adequate human resources for the administration of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme in Imo State. The National Youth Service staff were competent, diligent and knowledgeable and observed work ethics. Funds constituted serious impediments in the execution of the scheme. It was also found out that there were adequate communication among the Federal, State, Local Government and the Operating Agencies in the NYSC scheme in Imo State. The study recommended, among other things, that adequate funds be made available to the operating agencies to ensure smooth administration of the scheme and realization of the National Youth Service objectives. It was also recommended that the Imo State Government build a befitting NYSC orientation camp for corps members for effective orientation programme.