The Old Students Association of Methodist High School, Ilesa, Osun State, has called for a review of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) saying the scheme has derailed from its essence.
Addressing a press conference as part of activities marking the 65th anniversary of the school, the president of the association, Chief Dideolu Falobi, urged the Federal Government to stop posting corps members without degrees in education courses and professional training in pedagogy to schools.
Falobi also stressed the need for the agency to cancel the posting of corps members to private organisations, adding that they are being exploited and used as “cheap labour.” He threw his weight behind calls for graduates to be deployed into compulsory military service while serving the country.
He said: “It is only in Nigeria that NYSC members without degrees in education and formal training in teaching are posted to teach in schools. This is a flop. Only those who studied education courses should be allowed to teach in schools. Teaching is a noble profession and it’s not being given its regard. Teaching should be at par with other professions such as law, medicine and engineering, among others.
“Corps members should stop being posted to private organisations because to operators of private firms, using corps members is a form of cheap labour.”
While highlighting achievements of the association to the school, Falobi said old students have expended over N200 million on several projects, such as the refurbishment of school halls, classrooms; construction of basketball and volleyball courts, school laboratory and provision of school uniforms among others.
He said: “This anniversary is a celebration of what unity of purpose, uncommon passion and unalloyed commitment to set goals and objectives can do in turning the destinies of individuals and institutions around for good. Thus, the theme of this year’s anniversary, which is fully sponsored by the old students’ association is: “Teachers and their products: Living legends.”
Source: The Guardian
