Author(s): Onwuachamba Joy-Nyiema, Edet E Okon, Ann E Dijeh
This study determined the influence of innovative programmes of NYSC and the productivity of corps members. Specifically, the study determined the influence of: skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED) programme of NYSC; NYSC partnership with stakeholders; NYSC Graduate Empowerment Fund (GEF); and culture of community on national integration among Corps members in Cross River State. The four objectives were postulated to four research questions and equally used to formulate four null hypotheses. The survey research design was adopted to carry out the study conducted in Cross River State using a population of 5, 392 corps members and 357 sample size using multi-stage sampling technique. The researcher designed and administered to the respondents, two different structured questionnaires tagged, “Questionnaire on NYSC Innovative Programmes (QNYSCIP) and Questionnaire on Corps Members Productivity (QCMP)”. The two instruments were validated by three experts and reliability indices of .71 and .73 for QNYSCIP and QCMP respectively determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability technique. Item-by-item analysis was adopted in providing answers to the four research questions. The dependent t-test was used in testing the four null hypotheses. Findings show that skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED) programme of NYSC; NYSC Graduate Empowerment Fund (GEF); and culture of community on national integration have no significant influence on corps members’ productivity. However, NYSC partnership with stakeholders has significant influence on the productivity of corps members. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programme, NYSC partnership with stakeholders, NYSC Graduates Empowerment Fund and cultural integration despite their importance have not been effectively and adequately provided for corps members, hence the productivity of corps members is low. Based on the conclusions drawn, it is recommended among others that entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programme of NYSC should be made more functional by providing adequate training, using entrepreneurs with sound reputation and achievement.