Before I finished university, my only motivation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was the 33,000 Naira allowance. To me, it was a fee for enduring the challenges of living in Nigeria. With the new minimum wage set at 70,000 Naira, many wondered: would corps members finally see an increase? The question remains unanswered, with some arguing that corps members don't need that 70,000. But who said so?

Corps members are also human beings. They need to eat, save, and survive. Most are posted to states far from home, where they have no connections. They're starting life from scratch—no house, no belongings, nothing. They need to rent a place, buy essentials, and settle down. Then there's the Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), where many are expected to work without pay, relying solely on that 33,000 Naira stipend. It's barely enough for food, let alone transport and other necessities.

We’re told that youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but the government doesn't seem to see us that way. If 33,000 isn’t enough for a single corps member to survive, how can it be enough for government workers with families to feed? It’s not fair, and something needs to change.

The story of NYSC is more than just a year of service—it's a year of survival.