The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says the scheme has remained central to Nigeria’s unity since the civil war.

Mr Nafiu said this during an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Nafiu said that as the scheme marks its 53rd anniversary on May 22, its contributions to national integration and youth development remain significant.

He traced the origin of the NYSC to the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, describing it as a deliberate policy response to rebuild the nation.

According to him, the scheme was part of the government’s broader reconstruction agenda anchored on reintegration, rehabilitation, and reconciliation of the country.

He explained that the scheme deliberately deployed graduates outside their states and regions to promote cultural exchange and national understanding.

“The NYSC came about after the cessation of hostilities of the civil war of 1967 to 1970 as a strategy to foster reintegration and national unity.

“What better way to reintegrate the country and unite the people than to engage educated youths who are leaders of tomorrow.

“You have to teach people about a country by letting them see it, mingle with different cultures and learn from diverse perspectives,” he said.

Mr Nafiu said that many Nigerians first experienced cultures outside their immediate environment through the NYSC programme.

He added that the scheme had also fostered inter-ethnic relationships, including marriages, which have strengthened national cohesion over time.

The director-general said that although challenges of unity still exist, the NYSC remains a critical instrument in promoting national integration.

“Most people you see at the national level today will tell you their first real exposure to other cultures came during their service year.

“We have also had several NYSC marriages where people met during service and built families across ethnic lines, becoming part of a larger national identity.

Mr Nafiu said that though the NYSC was not the only institution responsible for unity, without it, the impact would have been far more adverse.

According to him, in spite of criticisms, many Nigerians acknowledge that the scheme has contributed meaningfully to keeping the country together.

“We believe we are doing enough, and many sincere Nigerians will agree that NYSC has done very well over the years,” he said.

Mr Nafiu said that the scheme has also evolved significantly from its early years to meet changing national realities and youth expectations.

He said improvements have been recorded in communication, administration, welfare, and the overall scope of corps members’ engagement.

“At inception in 1973, we mobilised about 2,364 corps members; today, we mobilise more than 400,000 graduates annually.

“The only constant in life is change, and NYSC has continued to innovate to remain relevant to younger generations,” he said.

Mr Nafiu added that the scheme is adapting to emerging trends, including technology and shifting demographics among Nigerian youths.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC to sustaining national unity and preparing young Nigerians for leadership and national development.

“As we move forward, we will continue to sensitise our youths to the need to remain united as one nation,” he said.

He, however, said the scheme would continue to serve as a platform for building cohesion and fostering a shared national identity among Nigerians. 

(NAN)