NEWS DIGEST – Today, 22nd May, 2018, marks the 45th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps. “As NYSC marks its 45th anniversary, the scheme wishes to acknowledge and appreciate all tiers of government for their valuable support,” the body said this in a statement today. “Since 1973, Corps Members are all over Nigeria accelerating national development in health, education, agriculture and rural infrastructure among other areas. “NYSC management is also grateful to all other stakeholders. Happy 45th Anniversary.” the body said via her Facebook platform.
While the corps has gone ahead to congratulate all those who have participated in serving the Country over the years, the NEWS DIGEST brings to you a brief history of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
History, Facts about the Body The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is an organization set up by the Nigerian government to involve the country’s graduates in the development of the country. There is no military conscription in Nigeria, but since 1973 graduates of universities and later polytechnics have been required to take part in the National Youth Service Corps program for one year. This is known as national service year. Ahmadu Ali served as the first Director-General of the NYSC until 1975. The incumbent Director-General is Brig. Gen. Sule Zakari Kazaure.
According to popular online dictionary, Wikipedia, Corps members are posted to cities far from their city of origin. They are expected to mix with people of other tribes, social and family backgrounds, to learn the culture of the indigenes in the place they are posted to.
This action is aimed at bringing about unity in the country and to help youths appreciate other ethnic groups. There is an “orientation” period of approximately three weeks spent in a military controlled boot “camp” away from family and friends. There is also a “passing out ceremony” at the end of the year and primary assignment followed by one month of vacation.
Nigerian Graduates are ineligible for employment in governmental establishments (and few private establishments) till they have completed the mandatory one year service. Graduates who are exempted from the service include those above the age of thirty (30) and those with physical disability, therefore completing the service year entitles one to employment. During the service year, Corps members have the opportunity of learning of the cultures of other people, an opportunity many Nigerians never get in their lifetime. The program has also helped in creating entry-level jobs for many Nigerian youth. An NYSC forum dedicated to the NYSC members was built to bridge the gap amongst members serving across Nigeria and also an avenue for corpers to share job information and career resources as well as getting loans from the National Directorate Of Employment.
Objectives of the scheme The objectives of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme are clearly spelt out in Decree No.51 of 16th June 1993 as follows To inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work, and of patriotic and loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves. To raise the moral tone of the Nigerian youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement To develop in the Nigerian youths the attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training.


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