The countdown to the closure of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2024 Batch C Stream II online registration has triggered a wave of frustration across Nigeria, as many prospective corps members struggle to access the portal. With just days to go before the registration deadline on January 10, the system has failed to accommodate the expected traffic, leaving thousands unable to complete the vital process required for their camp mobilization and subsequent primary assignment.
Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints from aggrieved individuals who have found themselves locked out of the portal, despite multiple attempts to register. The issue has sparked widespread criticism of the NYSC’s preparedness, with many users pointing to the repeated failures of the registration system.
Sharon Ekiuwa humorously captured her experience, stating, “This portal stuff made me go for B2 instead of A1. Just relax na; half-day e dey open now.” Many shared similar tales of navigating an unreliable system that only functions sporadically, leaving applicants scrambling to register during brief windows of availability.
Others, like Ezidiukwu Chinemerem Prosper, described a grueling day spent trying to register. “Since 6:30 am, just now I was able to successfully open an account. I can’t even go back to the cyber cafe because it’s too late,” he lamented.
A recurring sentiment across the reactions is a mix of frustration, exhaustion, and resignation. One user, Amos Oderinu, attempted to provide an update on the situation, saying, “It’s glitches. It has been opened back.” But for many, this was little consolation given the repeated cycles of portal crashes.
Olúchi, sharing her ordeal on Twitter, expressed, “Finally found a center, and the NYSC portal decided to crash. Sleep-deprived and hungry just to serve a country that doesn’t even rate me enough to fix their damn portal. Chai.”
Similarly, Abbie Gail vented, “I hate these systems in this country sha. See how they use us to play…panic dey finish people.” Her frustrations extended to concerns about the NYSC process itself, questioning the readiness to handle such stress in the entire program when the registration phase alone feels insurmountable.
Several users criticized the technical shortcomings of the NYSC portal and its operators. Olóyè voiced long-standing frustrations, “A company is paid to maintain the NYSC portal. Since I’ve known what NYSC is, that portal has been useless and frustrating to use. They keep their contract and get paid. I hate our brand of incompetence.”
Another user, Aniebiet Pius, took a sharp jab, “Me and my guys could create a better long-serving NYSC Portal in less than four months. This isn’t a registration portal; it’s a patience training website.”
The repetitive issues faced by applicants raise broader questions about NYSC’s commitment to resolving these technical challenges. In a rare response, a post attributed to NYSC360 read, “Dear PCMs, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. The portal will soon be accessible. Thank you for your understanding.” However, for many, this apology only adds to their frustration, as words of assurance rarely lead to tangible improvements.
The lack of progress over the years, despite ample feedback, has left users doubting whether NYSC can improve the experience. Tweets, like one from Wura, succinctly captured this sentiment: “Everything about this country is just stress. Why has the NYSC portal been unavailable since registration started?”
While the NYSC has continued to assure the public that the portal is operational, several prospective corps members have insisted otherwise. As of the time of reporting, many were still unable to access the portal through the provided link or follow the outlined registration steps.
The NYSC registration process is a significant milestone for young Nigerians who are about to embark on their mandatory one-year service to the nation. Corps members are required to complete their registration online before attending the NYSC orientation camp, where they receive training and are assigned to various locations for their primary assignments.
The trouble began shortly after the NYSC portal was opened to prospective 2024 Batch C Stream II candidates. Despite the NYSC’s assurances that it had upgraded the system to handle the expected influx of registrations, the site has been plagued by severe technical issues. Many users have reported being unable to complete their registration, with the portal continuously showing errors or simply failing to load.
The registration process has always been a point of contention for many Nigerians. Over the years, the NYSC has faced numerous criticisms for its reliance on a digital registration system that often fails under pressure. This year’s problems have intensified concerns about the organization’s ability to manage such a crucial national process effectively.
The ongoing frustrations echo past instances when the NYSC portal became inaccessible during crucial registration periods. In 2023, there were similar complaints of slow response times, site crashes, and unresponsiveness, which left many potential corps members unable to meet the registration deadline.
The challenges with the NYSC portal, however, are not isolated to 2023 and 2024. Even in previous years, corps members have expressed their discontent with the online registration system. This recurring issue raises questions about the NYSC’s preparedness and its ability to adapt to the increasing number of prospective corps members annually.
Beyond the inconvenience, there is also a wider economic impact. Each failed attempt to access the portal costs valuable time that could otherwise be spent on preparations for the upcoming year. Some prospective corps members have expressed frustration that hours, if not days, have been wasted trying to access a site that should have been ready well in advance.
Despite the growing backlash, the NYSC has remained adamant that its registration portal is functioning as intended. In a brief statement issued by the organization, officials reassured the public that the technical issues were being worked on and encouraged applicants to continue trying to access the portal.
The NYSC’s failure to meet expectations has raised questions about the level of accountability within the organization. Critics are calling for reforms in the way the registration process is managed, particularly when it comes to online platforms. Some have suggested that the NYSC should consider partnering with more reliable tech companies or expanding its registration infrastructure to ensure that the system can handle the ever-growing number of users.
