Nigeria's Ministry of Youth Development plans to consolidate on the successes recorded by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as the scheme clocks 40 years this year.

Established in 1973 the scheme entails a one-year compulsory service to the nation by graduates of universities and those of polytechnics.
Immense contribution Extolling the scheme in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir says, “the NYSC has helped in national integration as batches of corps members have contributed immensely to national development in various sectors because during their national service, most of them work as teachers; they work in rural areas and in so many sectors…
They have contributed a lot, State governments are relying heavily on a percentage of its workforce in the teaching sector which should be appreciated.''
Abdul-Kadir also praised the NYSC for its robust contribution to the success of the conduct of the 2011 general election.
“Up to 80 per cent of the success recorded in the 2011 general elections could be awarded to the NYSC as corps members were largely those who performed as ad hoc election officers,” the minister.
He promised that the ministry would consolidate on the
achievements recorded by the scheme and makes it stronger.
Abdul-Kadir revealed that the ministry also has plans to re-
structure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre to further train the youths in civic and leadership responsibilities. “We intend to use the facilities of the centre to resuscitate school-based associations like the Boys Scout, the Boys Brigade, and the Girls Guide, to instill volunteerism in the minds of the youths…We felt the absence of those kinds of associations in our schools gave way to cultism in various institutions, right from secondary schools up to the university level. These associations have through their objectives and conducts, instill the sense of humanitarianism in the minds of young people; they grow up to be their own brother's keeper,' the minister explains. He expressed optimism that the good attitudes that were lacking in young Nigerians could be revived with the reintroduction of such associations.
“Due to these attributes lacking in our schools, we intend to collaborate with ministries of education and other institutions to resuscitate and support them so that our young people will have proper training. School is not just about academic training, it is part of moral training and social training that will make our young people better adults in the society.'' Abdul-Kadir said the ministry would seek the cooperation of the private sectors, to finance programmes for the associations.

http://www.voiceofnigeria.org/Nigeria/Ministry-plans-consolidation-as-NYSC-clock-40.htm