In a surprising turn of events at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, male corps members have introduced a controversial rule prohibiting themselves from buying meals for their female colleagues. This decision has sparked widespread debate on social media, with users expressing a range of opinions on the matter.

The development was brought to light through a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @ChuksEricE, which featured a video of two female corps members discussing the new rule. According to the post, the male corps members convened a meeting within their hostel where they unanimously agreed to ban the practice of purchasing meals for female corps members. They reportedly warned that anyone caught violating the rule would face consequences.

The video has since gone viral, drawing attention from various quarters. Many commenters have taken to social media to either support or criticize the decision. While some argue that the ban is an assertion of financial independence and personal responsibility, others view it as an unnecessary and divisive move.

One social media user, @Emmatheicon, shared his perspective, stating, “Women have a way to make you feel bad about not giving them your own money or not buying for them something they can’t afford. What is 1500, but you call who no buy am for you stingy.” Another user, @TheLiberalThumb, appeared to criticize the men’s decision, remarking, “Almajiri will always complain when Dodoyo is waking up.”

On the other hand, @justtooblunt sarcastically commented, “On top the same alawee o. It’s actually finished. This generation go cry for good wife,” highlighting how both male and female corps members receive the same monthly allowance (alawee) from the government.

In defense of the decision, @odogwu_ogidi stated, “Let them buy it, it is N1500. I hope young men will emulate this, and stop spending stupidly.” Another commenter, @iam_Bonex, noted that such unity among male corps members would have been beneficial in previous NYSC camps, saying, “If we were this united during our time, they wouldn’t have used us the way they did at Lagos camp.”

Some have questioned why the ban has become such a contentious issue. A user, @barafalee_unf, posed the question, “Why do you have a problem with that… you no carry money go camp before ni?” Similarly, @davidoghe expressed confusion over the uproar, stating, “What is 1200, what is 1500, and you are doing video? Oya nau, y’all should buy your own food, nobody owes you food in the first place.”

The viral post has also sparked conversations about relationships and gender dynamics within the NYSC camp environment. Some see the decision as a necessary stance against perceived entitlement, while others believe it could strain interpersonal relationships during the mandatory service year.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this self-imposed ban will last throughout the orientation period or whether the male corps members will eventually reconsider their decision. Regardless, the incident has undeniably ignited a broader conversation about social expectations, financial boundaries, and the dynamics of generosity among young Nigerians during their service year.