Former Head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has praised the enduring success of the scheme, despite the initial resistance it faced from Nigerian students at its inception over five decades ago.
Gowon made the commendation during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
According to a press statement released by Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Information and Public Relations for the NYSC, Gowon reflected on the history of the scheme, acknowledging the skepticism and opposition it faced when it was first established in 1973.
Despite the early pushback from students across the country, the former military leader noted that the NYSC has since evolved into one of Nigeria’s most recognised and impactful national institutions.
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“The NYSC, which was greeted with strong opposition from Nigerian students at its inception, has not only overcome those early misgivings but has grown to become a nationally accepted tool for fostering unity, integration, development, job creation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria,” Gowon stated.
The NYSC has become integral to the country’s socio-political fabric, with its annual programme bringing together thousands of young Nigerians, encouraging them to serve in regions far from their place of origin, thus promoting national integration.
Gowon further lauded the multi-dimensional contributions of corps members to Nigeria’s development over the past 50 years, noting that their service in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and community development had played a key role in strengthening the country’s social and economic structures.
He specifically praised the NYSC’s deployment policy, which exposes corps members to diverse cultures and communities, fostering mutual understanding among the country’s varied ethnic groups.
“The NYSC has had a significant impact, not only in contributing to national development but also in helping young Nigerians appreciate the diverse cultural tapestry of our nation,” Gowon said.
In his address, Gowon urged the newly appointed NYSC DG, Brig. Gen. Nafiu, to build on the successes of his predecessors and continue to steer the scheme towards greater achievements.
He encouraged the NYSC leadership to stay true to the core principles of the programme while adapting to the evolving needs of Nigerian society.
In response, Nafiu described the NYSC as “a divine project” that had been a tremendous blessing to Nigeria.
He expressed his deep appreciation for Gowon’s continued support of the scheme, adding that he was eager to draw on the former Head of State’s wisdom and experience as he led the NYSC into its next phase.
“I seek your mentorship as we continue to build on the solid foundation laid by those who came before me,” Nafiu stated.
