Former Head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon, has praised the administrators of the scheme for maintaining the vision that led to its creation over 50 years ago.
General Gowon made these comments during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
A statement issued by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC, revealed that General Gowon acknowledged the strong opposition the NYSC initially faced from Nigerian students when it was launched in 1973.
However, he pointed out that the NYSC had since grown into a nationally recognized platform that promotes unity, integration, job creation, and youth empowerment across the country.
“The former head of state and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR, has commended the managers of the scheme for upholding the vision that led to the establishment of the NYSC.
He acknowledged that while the scheme faced significant opposition from Nigerian students at the outset, it has not only overcome these early challenges but has become a widely accepted platform for fostering national unity, integration, development, job creation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
General Gowon also praised the contributions of Corps Members to national development over the past 50 years. He highlighted the deployment policy of NYSC, which exposes Corps Members to diverse cultures across Nigeria by posting them to states and regions different from their own.
He encouraged Brigadier General Nafiu to build upon the legacies of his predecessors and further elevate the scheme.
In response, Brigadier General Nafiu described the NYSC as “a divine project” that has been a significant blessing to the nation. He also expressed his gratitude for General Gowon’s continued support and sought his mentorship in guiding the scheme forward.”
