A viral photo of a male National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member kneeling before his Local Government Inspector (LGI) has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the act as an abuse of power.
The image, which surfaced online on Sunday, March 16, has reignited conversations about the treatment of corps members during their mandatory service year.
The controversial picture was shared by a Facebook user, Waltino, who hinted at the struggles corps members endure.
“This is what we are passing through but if we talk now,” he wrote, suggesting that many corps members face similar situations but are unable to speak out.
The image has drawn sharp criticism from social media users, with many questioning why a university graduate should be subjected to such treatment.
Some described the act as bullying, while others argued that the NYSC program had strayed from its original purpose and needed urgent reform.
Moreover, the backlash comes shortly after another NYSC-related controversy involving a female corps member in Lagos.
The young woman had publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over inflation and economic hardship.
Her comments quickly went viral, and she later alleged that the NYSC board had threatened her over the remarks.
Many have called for reforms to ensure that corps members are treated with dignity and respect.
Meanwhile, the NYSC management has yet to release an official statement regarding the viral image.
However, many Nigerians are demanding accountability, with some urging the agency to investigate and take action against any form of intimidation within the system.
The growing debate highlights the broader issues of workplace respect, human dignity, and the need for fair treatment of corps members, who are often deployed far from home to serve their country.
