The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has said the scheme has remained a key force in promoting Nigeria’s unity since the civil war.
Nafiu made this statement on Sunday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
As the NYSC approaches its 53rd anniversary on May 22, he noted that its role in fostering national integration and youth development continues to be significant.
He explained that the scheme was created after the Nigerian Civil War as a deliberate effort to rebuild the country. According to him, it was part of a broader government strategy centred on reintegration, rehabilitation, and reconciliation.
Nafiu added that deploying graduates to serve outside their states and regions was intentionally designed to encourage cultural exchange and strengthen 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.
He noted that many Nigerians had their first real exposure to cultures beyond their immediate environment through the NYSC programme.
He also said the scheme has encouraged inter-ethnic relationships, including marriages, which have contributed to strengthening national unity over time.
Nafiu acknowledged that although challenges to unity still persist, the NYSC remains a vital instrument for 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.”
He stressed that while NYSC is not the only institution responsible for national unity, its absence would have had more negative consequences.
According to him, despite criticisms, many Nigerians still recognise the scheme’s meaningful contributions to keeping the country united.
“We believe we are doing enough, and many sincere Nigerians will agree that NYSC has done very well over the years,” he said.
Nafiu further stated that the scheme has evolved significantly over time to reflect changing national realities and the expectations of young people.
He said improvements have been made 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.
He added that the scheme is adapting to emerging trends, including technology and changing youth demographics.
Nafiu 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 concluded that the scheme will continue to serve as a platform for building cohesion and promoting a shared national identity among Nigerians.