The Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) has commended the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for improving service delivery in orientation camps
By Okon Okon
The Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) has commended the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for improving service delivery in orientation camps across the country.
Mr Anthony Oshin, Acting National Coordinator of SERVICOM, gave the commendation while presenting SERVICOM Compliance Evaluation (SCE) report on 10 selected NYSC state offices in Abuja on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the objective of SCE is to ensure citizens focused service delivery in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by identifying gaps in service delivery and making recommendations for improved service delivery.
The states visited were Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Kano, Imo, Adamawa, Benue, Ogun, Rivers and Federal Capital Territory.
Oshin, who was represented by SERVICOM’s Head of Operations, Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, said the evaluation showed notable improvements in service delivery and responsiveness to the needs of corps members.
“We have seen significant improvements in the service delivery of the NYSC. Their responses to corps members’ needs have improved, with better provision for those with special needs,” he said.
He noted improvement in the quality of meals served at orientation camps, saying that food prepared at the camps tasted better than previously reported.
Oshin cited Ondo State as a positive example, where the NYSC secretariat actively used social media to disseminate timely and relevant information to corps members, enhancing engagement and responsiveness.
He added that in Edo State, corps members confirmed that the state government had provided suitable accommodation across all local government areas, easing the burden of finding housing during the service year.
Oshin identified areas required attention, including high registration charges ranging from N5,000 to N18,000 in some states, as against the recommended N3,000.
He said some camps still had overcrowded lecture halls with poor ventilation, adding that hostels in Eziama Orientation Camp, Imo State, had damaged or missing window nets, exposing corps members to mosquito bites and other health risks.
Oshin recommended that the NYSC should establish a robust monitoring system to inspect registration centres regularly, ensure adherence to approved charges, and deploy more personnel during peak orientation periods to improve service delivery.
“The Scheme should deploy additional personnel during peak periods particularly on the first day of orientation to manage the high volume of Corps members efficiently.
“This would ensure a positive experience for Corps members
Management should review and address promotion delays to ensure timely career progression for staff, boost morale, enhance motivation among others, ” he said.
Responding, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, thanked SERVICOM for the evaluation report, noting that the agency plays a crucial role in monitoring service delivery standards in public institutions.
“SERVICOM has the mandate to raise concerns and advocate for efficient service delivery. We are ready to work with state governments to upgrade camp facilities to required standards,” he said.
Nafiu affirmed NYSC’s commitment to fostering good leadership and improved service standards through collaboration and accountability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)