History Of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme In Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, was established in Nigeria on 22ND May, 1973 by then Nigeria's former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who promulgated the NYSC decree 24 in 1973 which stated that the NYSC is being established "with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity".The scheme, "which some ill motivated persons tried to write off at inception, has since grown to such a level of national importance and acceptance," to the extent that "no one can today speak of national unity, or rural development, without mentioning the NYSC. SEE MORE AFTER CUT>>>

By the year 2000, years after the decree enabling its establishment was promulgated, a large and diverse segment of the Nigerian population as well as notable people around the world, have commended its establishment and eulogized its operation and achievements, especially its momentous role in promoting national unity, integration and rapid economic development of Nigeria. Quoting a University Don, Dr. Godwill Ogbogodo, of the University of Benin, “There is no aspect of the Nigerian social, cultural and economic life that the NYSC has not touched, or has not contributed meaningfully. It has become a household name in the educational sector that one can say that if it is for this sector alone, the NYSC shall continue to be relevant as to long as the resources could maintain it.". In the same vein, the sixth Director General of the NYSC, Major General Hafiz Momoh, in his Preface to NYSC: Twenty Years of National Service, observed that the scheme has impacted, positively on various aspects of our national life. According to him, the NYSC "has come to be acclaimed as one of the most effective and successful instruments in our continuing efforts at achieving a humane and egalitarian society, based on mutual understanding, trust, tolerance and a common vision of our national destiny.