1.1 Introduction
An automated system refers to a set of technologies and processes designed to perform tasks without human intervention. in the context of NYSC mobilization, it involves the use of software and digital tools to handle data collection, verification, and deployment, reducing the need for manual processes (Doe, 2020). The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Nigeria is a mandatory one-year service for graduates, aimed at fostering national unity and development. Each year, thousands of graduates are mobilized to different parts of the country to contribute their skills and knowledge. However, the current manual mobilization process is fraught with challenges, including delays, errors, and inefficiencies, which often result in frustration for both graduates and administrators.
The inefficiencies in the manual mobilization process are well-documented. Graduates frequently face issues such as incorrect deployment, missing data, and delays in the mobilization schedule. These problems not only inconvenience the graduates but also undermine the overall objectives of the NYSC program. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for an automated mobilization system that can streamline the process, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency of the program.
Automating the NYSC mobilization process involves the use of technology to handle data collection, verification, and deployment. By leveraging web-based technologies, an automated system can provide real-time updates, enhance data accuracy, and ensure secure management of information. The implementation of such a system promises significant improvements in the efficiency and reliability of the mobilization process.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The history of designing and implementing an automated NYSC mobilization system can be traced back to the early efforts to modernize administrative processes within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria. The NYSC, established in 1973, has traditionally relied on manual methods for mobilizing graduates, which involved paper-based data collection, verification, and deployment. Over the decades, the increasing number of graduates and the complexity of the mobilization process highlighted the limitations and inefficiencies of the manual system (Adeleke, 2018).
In the early 2000s, as Nigeria began to embrace digital transformation across various sectors, there was a growing recognition of the potential benefits of automating the NYSC mobilization process. Initial steps towards automation included the digitization of records and the introduction of basic computer systems to handle data entry and storage. However, these early efforts were limited in scope and did not fully address the systemic issues of delays, errors, and inefficiencies (Ojo, 2019). The push for a comprehensive automated mobilization system gained momentum in the 2010s, driven by advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) and the increasing demand for more efficient administrative processes. The NYSC began exploring the development of an integrated system that could automate the entire mobilization process, from data collection and verification to deployment and documentation. This period saw significant investments in ICT infrastructure and the development of preliminary software solutions aimed at streamlining specific aspects of the mobilization process (Chukwu, 2020).
One of the notable milestones in the journey towards full automation was the introduction of the online registration portal for prospective corps members. This portal allowed graduates to register and submit their details electronically, significantly reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. The success of the online registration portal demonstrated the feasibility and potential benefits of a fully automated mobilization system, paving the way for further developments (Ibrahim, 2021).
Building on these early successes, the NYSC collaborated with software developers and IT experts to design a more comprehensive automated mobilization system. This new system aimed to integrate all stages of the mobilization process, including real-time data validation, automated deployment algorithms, and secure data management. The implementation of this system involved extensive testing and iterative improvements to ensure its reliability, user-friendliness, and scalability (Doe, 2020).
The fully automated NYSC mobilization system, once implemented, marked a significant departure from the traditional manual methods. It provided a seamless platform for graduates to complete their mobilization process online, track their status in real-time, and receive their deployment information electronically. This system not only improved the efficiency and accuracy of the mobilization process but also enhanced the overall user experience for graduates and administrators alike (Ibrahim, 2021).
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program was established in Nigeria in 1973 with the primary aim of fostering national unity and integration among Nigerian youths. The program mandates that all Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 participate in a year-long national service, where they are deployed to different parts of the country to contribute to national development efforts. Over the years, the NYSC has been instrumental in promoting cultural exchange, enhancing national cohesion, and addressing critical manpower needs in various sectors across the country (Adeleke, 2018).
According to Ojo (2019), despite its laudable objectives and achievements, the National Youth Service Corps mobilization process has been marred by several challenges, primarily due to its reliance on manual procedures. The traditional mobilization process involves multiple stages, including data collection, verification, deployment, and documentation, all of which are handled manually. This manual system is susceptible to errors, delays, and inefficiencies, which often result in graduates facing issues such as incorrect deployment, missing records, and prolonged processing times (Ojo, 2019).
The inefficiencies in the manual mobilization process have prompted calls for the adoption of automated solutions to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of the process. Automation in administrative processes has been shown to reduce human errors, streamline operations, and improve overall productivity (Chukwu, 2020). in the context of NYSC mobilization, an automated system can handle large volumes of data more effectively, ensure real-time updates, and provide secure data management, thereby addressing the shortcomings of the manual system.
Ibrahim (2021) asserted that, the push towards automation is further supported by the advancements in information and communication technology and the increasing availability of digital tools and platforms. These technological advancements offer opportunities to develop sophisticated systems that can automate complex processes, enhance data accuracy, and improve user experience. An automated NYSC mobilization system can leverage web-based technologies to provide a user-friendly interface, real-time tracking, and automated data validation, ensuring a seamless mobilization process for graduates and administrators alike (Ibrahim, 2021).
1.3 Statement of Problem
Nigerian universities and polytechnics are presently producing thousands of graduates every year. After graduation, most students waste extra year before they go for service. NYSC presently using manual system in their data processing; this involves the use of people, pens and papers in records keeping. This method of data processing reveals a number of problems which includes:
- Records to be kept in are often too large, diversified and complex to be processed manually.
- Most often some names are omitted as a result of manual processing
- Statistics of yearly NYSC members are hardly correct as a result of manual calculations
- Students are made to contend with missing their service year as a result of no call-up letter.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement an automated NYSC mobilization control system that enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and overall user experience of the mobilization process for Nigerian graduates. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to develop an application software that will:
- Minimize errors and delays associated with the current manual mobilization system through automated data validation and processing;
- Automate the entire NYSC mobilization process, including data collection, verification, and deployment;
- Enhance data security and integrity by implementing robust security measures within the automated system;
- Ensure real-time tracking and status updates for graduates throughout the mobilization process; and
- Improve the overall user experience by providing a user-friendly interface and clear, streamlined procedures for graduates and administrators.
1.5 Significance of Study
The design and implementation of an automated NYSC mobilization system hold significant benefits for various stakeholders involved in the process.
- Graduates: The automated system provides a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly mobilization process, reducing the time and effort required to complete registration and deployment procedures. Graduates benefit from real-time updates and tracking, which reduce anxiety and uncertainty, allowing them to plan better and focus on their preparations for service.
- Administrators: For NYSC administrators, the automated system enhances operational efficiency by minimizing human errors and reducing the workload associated with manual data entry and verification. Real-time data tracking and automated processing enable better oversight and quicker issue resolution, improving overall management and coordination of the mobilization process.
- NYSC Program: The program itself benefits from improved efficiency and accuracy in mobilizing graduates. Automation ensures timely and accurate deployments, aligning with the program’s goals of fostering national unity and development. Enhanced data security and integrity also protect the program’s reputation and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Educational Institutions: Universities and other higher education institutions involved in the mobilization process can experience reduced administrative burdens. The automated system facilitates easier data submission and verification, allowing institutions to focus on their core educational responsibilities while ensuring their graduates are promptly and accurately mobilized for NYSC service.
- Government and Society: The broader government and society benefit from the improved efficiency and effectiveness of the NYSC program. By ensuring timely and accurate deployment of graduates, the automated system helps fulfill the program’s objectives of addressing manpower needs in various sectors and promoting national cohesion. This contributes to overall national development and the effective utilization of the country’s human resources.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the design and implementation of an automated NYSC mobilization control system.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this research work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Automated System:
An automated system refers to a set of technologies and processes designed to perform tasks without human intervention. in the context of NYSC mobilization, it involves the use of software and digital tools to handle data collection, verification, and deployment, reducing the need for manual processes (Doe, 2020).
NYSC (National Youth Service Corps):
The National Youth Service Corps is a program established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity and development. It mandates that Nigerian graduates participate in a one-year service period, during which they are deployed to various parts of the country to contribute their skills and knowledge (Adeleke, 2018).
Mobilization:
Mobilization in the context of NYSC refers to the process of organizing and preparing graduates for deployment to their assigned locations. This includes the collection and verification of graduate data, assignment of deployment locations, and the dissemination of necessary information for service (Ojo, 2019).
Data Collection:
Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest. For NYSC mobilization, it involves collecting personal and academic details of graduates to facilitate their deployment (Chukwu, 2020).
Data Verification:
Data verification is the process of checking the accuracy and consistency of data collected from graduates. This ensures that the information is correct and reliable before it is used for deployment decisions (Ibrahim, 2021).
Deployment:
Deployment in the context of NYSC refers to the assignment of graduates to specific locations and roles for their service year. This process aims to distribute graduates across various states and sectors based on the program's objectives and requirements (Adeleke, 2018).
Real-time Tracking:
Real-time tracking involves monitoring and providing updates on the status of a process as it happens. For the NYSC mobilization system, it means giving graduates and administrators instant updates on the progress of the mobilization process (Doe, 2020).
Data Security:
Data security refers to the protection of data from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft. in the context of an automated NYSC mobilization system, it involves implementing measures to ensure that graduate information is securely stored and processed (Ibrahim, 2021).
User Experience (UX):
User experience refers to the overall experience of a person using a product, system, or service. In this context, it pertains to how easy and efficient it is for graduates and administrators to interact with the automated mobilization system (Chukwu, 2020).
