Nigerians need to know more about NYSC – DG


The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has advocated for more engagement with Nigerians on the invaluable contributions of the scheme to the progress and development of the country.


Speaking during an interview with Voice of America (VOA) in his office Monday, he said he discovered that there had been a gap in the level of appreciation of the strategic relevance of the NYSC in sustaining the Nigerian project. 
This he said essentially informed the constitution of a team of scholars who conducted extensive research and published nine (9) books on the contributions of corps members in the critical sectors of the national economy, in the spheres of education, health, elections, community development service, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development, national integration and development, among others. 


General  Ibrahim also revealed that other advocacy interventions by the scheme in recent times include; weekly media documentary of the contributions of serving and ex-corps members to national development, whose feedback from Nigerians has been encouraging and commendable.
Ibrahim further expressed optimism that documentation of activities and interventions of the scheme would continue to attract goodwill and public support by the active  involvement of corps members in nation building.


The NYSC helmsman said that democracy provides avenues for Nigerians of all shades of opinion to express their views on the success, or otherwise of the scheme. 
But, he insisted that NYSC is more relevant in addressing  contemporary developmental challenges today than it was in the past. He cited the rural posting policy of the scheme which ensures even distribution of quality manpower in the fields earlier listed.
The DG also described the roles of Corps Members in the fight against COVID-19 as strategic, noting that they facilitated the production and distribution of facemasks, liquid soaps, hand sanitisers, disinfection chambers and procured food items and many other palliatives which were distributed to indigent members of their host communities across the country, free of charge. 


He applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for considering corps members as adhoc staff in the conduct general elections in Nigeria, stressing that corps members are highly educated, neutral, trustworthy and can be held accountable in the process.


General Ibrahim stressed further that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the scheme is unique as corps members acquire chosen skills then access credit facilities to establish their businesses, thus employing others and enhancing national unity, integration and development.
“Corps Members are positive change agents and role models that encourage the entrenchment of the culture of patriotism and selfless service among Nigerians.” 
He recalled that it was a corps member who taught him History  in school that inspired study the subject,  and today, he is an Associate Professor of History, adding that the majority of the lawmakers are ex-corps members, bound by NYSC oath, had positive service year experiences. 


He therefore, expressed gratitude and optimism  for their continued support for the scheme.