Photo credit: Daily Trust
The federal government has decided that members of the National Youth Service Corps should be enjoying the services of the National Health Insurance Scheme whenever any of them needs medical treatment. This is another milestone for the government.
The NYSC was established in 1973. But since it was founded nobody had ever thought of making the lives of members, who, more often than not, go to serve the nation in places that are far from their homes, a little bit better. They are only remunerated with a pittance, considering their qualifications.
They will now be able to enjoy medical insurance. Even though some might consuder it an act of chutzpah, I will even suggest that they enjoy the service free of charge. Oliver Twist will always want more.
The reasons are not far fetched.
In the first instance, they are paid a miserly twenty thousand naira. The government will deduct tax from the allowance. They will then be left with just a little change.
When we look at the cost of things in this country now, it will be an understatement to say it is expensive. That is why we should make things relatively easy for our young graduates.
In most cases, they are not paid anything in their primary places of assignment. And where they are, it is not just enough.
Like I said earlier, most of them are far away from home. They may want to visit their homes say, thrice, during the service year.
However, let us appreciate this administration. It is not only a way of being box clever it is a genuine way of thinking outside the box. I hope it is a sign of better things to come.
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