The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the scheme’s relevance in promoting national unity, describing it as a key legacy of Nigeria’s post-civil war reconstruction efforts.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, Nafiu said the NYSC, established after the 1967–1970 civil war, was designed to rebuild trust and foster cohesion among Nigerians.
“The scheme was introduced as part of efforts to reintegrate the country after the war,” he said.
“It was a deliberate initiative to bring young graduates together and expose them to cultures beyond their immediate environment.”
He noted that the programme, which marks its 53rd anniversary on May 22, has continued to play a significant role in bridging ethnic divides by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin.
According to Nafiu, “One of the most effective ways to promote unity is to allow people to experience different cultures firsthand. NYSC has provided that platform for decades.”
The NYSC boss added that many participants encounter new traditions, languages and lifestyles during their service year, helping to deepen mutual understanding across Nigeria’s diverse population.
“Several Nigerians will tell you that their first meaningful interaction with people from other ethnic backgrounds happened during their service year,” he said.
He also highlighted the social impact of the scheme, noting that inter-ethnic marriages formed during service have contributed to strengthening national integration.
“We have seen numerous cases where corps members met during service, got married and built families that cut across ethnic lines. That, in itself, reinforces a shared national identity,” Nafiu stated.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges to national unity, the DG maintained that the NYSC remains a critical institution in fostering cohesion.
“Although NYSC is not the only driver of unity, its absence would have created a wider gap in national integration,” he said. “Many Nigerians recognise the role it has played in keeping the country together.”
Nafiu further noted that the scheme has evolved over the years to remain relevant, particularly in response to changing societal needs and youth expectations.
“At inception in 1973, only about 2,300 corps members were mobilised. Today, we deploy over 400,000 annually,” he said.
“We have continued to improve in areas such as administration, welfare, communication and the scope of engagement.”
He added that the NYSC is adapting to modern realities, including technological advancements and demographic shifts among Nigerian youths.
“As we move forward, we will keep sensitising young Nigerians on the importance of unity and national development,” Nafiu said. “The scheme will continue to serve as a platform for building cohesion and preparing future leaders.”
The NYSC was officially established in 1973 as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy of reintegration, rehabilitation and reconciliation following the civil war.
