NYSC in 46 years stood the test of time ― Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has stated that the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) in 46 years has stood the test of time.

This was even as he called on State governments to ensure the provision and maintenance of facilities in the NYSC orientation camps across the country.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja, when the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim paid him a visit in his office.

The Elder Statesman, who commended the scheme’s visions, one of which includes mentoring graduate youths towards becoming responsible leaders in society, noted that the NYSC has instilled the spirit of selfless service in successive batches of Corps Members across the country.

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While congratulating the DG on his appointment, he also commended the Federal Government(FG’s) Presidential Honours Award initiative, under the NYSC.

Earlier, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim urged Nigerians to take more than a passing interest in the affairs of the Corps but see it as a national asset.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established on the 22nd of May 1973 by decree No.24 which stated that National Youth Service Corps is being established “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”.

It was established by Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon shortly after the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War to employ the services of graduates of universities to take part in the reconciling, reconstructing, and rebuilding of Nigeria.