Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as an indispensable pillar to Nigeria’s unity.
Osinbajo spoke yesterday at the opening ceremony/50th anniversary lecture of the NYSC in Abuja.
He said the NYSC had evolved since its establishment and had become indispensable in the development of the country.
On the theme of the anniversary, “NYSC Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development,” the vice president who was represented by the minister of power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu, congratulated the management, staff and corps members for sustaining the purpose for the establishment of the scheme.
He also commended the initiator of the scheme, General Yakubu Gowon, for establishing the NYSC to harness the potential of young graduates towards national growth.
Osinbajo said, “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 continued to play a significant role towards building an indivisible nation.”
He urged Nigerians to support the programme and activities of the scheme.
Also, the guest lecturer, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the scheme had 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, added that
The contributions of corps members in conducting elections had helped to boost democracy in Nigeria, he said.
“The corps members have made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria. The NYSC has facilitated national integration which was one of the objectives of the scheme.
“NYSC is one of the best schemes established in Nigeria that needs to be sustained,” he said.
However, he stressed that corps members deserve decent 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 depends on how the government addresses the challenges and repositions 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.
For his part, 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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