Erudite Muse

Order of things

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Honestly, one might begin to wonder if this individual is being entirely serious.

Let us not forget key concepts such as national interest and game theory.

Is Donald Trump truly a Christian, or is this another case of political maneuvering masked by religious sentiment?

Reflecting on history, in 2003, the United States claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction capable of endangering global security. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the U.S. was primarily interested in Iraq’s vast crude oil reserves.

Today, the United States stands as one of the largest oil-producing nations in the world. The question then arises: how did it achieve this position?

More recently, Trump’s administration increased tariff rates on imports from China, European countries, and members of the BRICS alliance of which Nigeria is a follower. This leads to another inquiry: did Trump also impose tariff increases when Nigerian stakeholders, such as Mr. Aliko Dangote, began exporting refined petroleum products to the United States?

As part of U.S. economic policy, trade and tariff measures often serve broader strategic objectives.

Presently, Nigeria is blessed with abundant crude oil and refined petroleum resources. Yet, Trump’s recent statement about wanting to “support Christians facing persecution in Nigeria” raises questions. Could these actions truly be motivated by humanitarian concern, or do they serve underlying national and economic interests?

Ultimately, every action in international relations is guided by self-interest, no matter how altruistic it may appear on the surface.

Proposed Two-Year NYSC Tenure in Nigeria: Why It Could Hurt More Than Help

Introduction

After the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), General Yakubu Gowon introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to promote unity and rebuild the nation. Under the scheme, graduates serve for one year in states outside their regions, fostering cross-cultural integration and contributing to community development.
But on April 6, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, proposed extending NYSC from one to two years to address rural teacher shortages, expand skill training, and create jobs. While this might sound promising, the idea has sparked fierce debate among students, graduates, and policymakers.
A closer look shows the risks may outweigh the rewards.

1. Career Delays in an Already Slow System
Nigeria’s university system is plagued by frequent ASUU strikes, often stretching a four-year degree into five or six years. Adding two years of mandatory NYSC could push graduates’ first real job opportunity to nearly a decade after starting university. This delay stifles ambition, worsens youth unemployment, and forces many to abandon career goals altogether.

2. Financial Burden on Corps Members
Even with the rumored increase of the NYSC stipend from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, high inflation and currency devaluation mean corps members still struggle to afford basic living costs. Prolonging service without substantial welfare improvements could push more graduates into debt or force them to depend on their families for survival.

3. Security Risks Over an Extended Period
Insecurity remains a major challenge, especially in parts of northern Nigeria where corps members face risks from insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. Extending the program to two years doubles the exposure to these dangers, particularly for female corps members who face additional safety concerns.

4. Limited Gains in Cultural Integration
The NYSC was designed to promote cultural unity by placing graduates outside their home regions. While two years could deepen relationships and understanding, the reality is that many corps members seek redeployment back home due to safety or convenience, limiting the cultural benefits the government hopes to achieve.

5. Questionable Government Capacity
With ongoing funding challenges, it’s unclear if the government can sustain paying stipends and providing resources for a longer NYSC program. Extending the duration without addressing inefficiencies risks turning NYSC into a political gesture rather than a genuine development tool.

Better Alternatives to a Two-Year NYSC
Instead of prolonging service, the government could:

• Reform the existing one-year program to improve placements and training.

• Partner with private companies to create graduate jobs.

• Channel resources into sectors where Nigeria has comparative advantage, such as agriculture, energy, and education.

Conclusion
The two-year NYSC proposal aims to strengthen unity and boost rural development, but it risks worsening career delays, financial strain, and safety concerns for Nigerian graduates. If the government cannot guarantee better welfare, security, and career opportunities, the extension could become yet another policy that burdens youth instead of empowering them.
For national growth, the focus should be on job creation, skill development, and targeted sectoral investment—not simply keeping graduates in service longer.

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

- Maya Angelou