…Calling on Govt. For more Fund 

Joel Ajayi

It will be recall that that NYSC was established on the 22nd of May 1973 for purpose of fostering Unity, cohesion as well to to build a united indivisible, prosperous and egalitarian country by the then head of state General Yakubu Gowon.

They gave this commendations at the opening ceremony and anniversary annual lecture of the NYSC at 50 on Monday in Abuja, in the presence of hundreds of present and past stakeholders.

The anniversary has it’s theme: “5 Decades of Forstering National Unity and Development” where present and past stakeholders were gathered to celebrate the meaningful impact of the scheme to the growth of Nigeria in the last 50 years.

Vice President who was represented by the Minister of power Engr Abubarkar D. Aliyu described NYSC as an indispensable pillar to Nigeria’s unity, as the scheme celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Speaking on the theme, “NYSC Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development,” Osinbajo  congratulated the management staff and corps members for sustaining the purpose for the establishment of the scheme.

According to him, the story of NYSC has been that of growth and development which brought about unity and national integration.

“There’s no doubt that since its inception, NYSC has continue to play a significant role towards building indivisible nation.”
He further urged Nigerians to support the  Programme and activities of the scheme.
Also, he commended the initiator of the Scheme, General Yakubu Gowon for establishing NYSC to harness the potentials of young graduate towards national growth.

While speaking, the guest lecturer, former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the scheme has been providing opportunities for youths to learn the diverse cultures that exist in the country.
Jega who said it is a wonderful experience to participate in the one year mandatory service.

“NYSC in Nigeria is, no doubt Africa’s leading programme and agency for purposeful and targeted youth mobilization for national development. In no other country in Africa are hundreds of thousands of educated and skilled youth mobilized annually for compulsory national service, to address national developmental gaps, as is the case in Nigeria. 

“This has been on-going in Nigeria now for five decades, with millions having served in the scheme, and with tremendous value addition to national progress and development. Almost two generations of Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions (at home and abroad) have participated in the NYSC scheme, an overwhelming majority of whom served in states/regions other than their own, providing them with invaluable exposure to, and lived experiences in, sociocultural contexts different from their own.

In the past 5 decades, through the NYSC, skilled and trained Nigerian youth in their millions have, in various ways, made significant contributions, and added remarkable value, to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. 

“There is no doubt that, in the post-civil war Nigeria, i.e. since the middle of the 1970s, the NYSC has facilitated, if not catalysed, national integration, which is one of the core objectives of the scheme. 

However, he stressed that Corps Members deserve a descent allowances that can aid them carry out their functions, while commending the initiators of the NYSC scheme, especially Gen Gowon.

Despite the successes, the former INEC chairman pointed out that the scheme is facing some challenges that need to be addressed, which includes welfare of staff and corps members, amongst others. 

He noted that the prospect of the scheme depend on how the government address the challenges and reposition it. 

“Government will need to address the funding of the scheme and ensure the security of corps members in national service.”

Jega further stressed the need for NYSC to be voluntary with enough incentives.

 In his opening remarks, his the Director General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed said for the five decades NYSC has distinguished itself in various sectors in the country.

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