By Prosper Okoye
Director General (DG) of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has reaffirmed the scheme’s relevance as a unifying force in Nigeria.
His comments followed renewed national debates over proposals to scrap or restructure the programme.
Speaking during a visit to the Benue State NYSC orientation camp in Wannune on Friday, Nafiu urged corps members to embrace national unity and see the service year as a platform for personal growth and national development.
“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, and NYSC is here to shape that future,” the DG said.
He encouraged them to serve faithfully, respect the country’s diversity, and play active roles in building a better Nigeria.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu also stressed the importance of discipline, financial prudence, responsible social media use, and self-presentation.
“Dress the way you want to be addressed,” he cautioned.
The DG toured the exhibition of products made by corps members under the in-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, expressing satisfaction with their creativity.
He encouraged them to continue on the path of self-employment and innovation beyond the camp.
In a show of goodwill, Nafiu donated two cows to mark the camp’s success and to celebrate a corps member’s birthday.
He also shared his personal contact details with corps members, assuring them of his availability when needed.
Earlier, Benue State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, welcomed the DG and highlighted some of the skills acquired by corps members in camp, including paint production, 3D epoxy design, aluminium fabrication, solar installation, poultry farming, catering, fashion design, cosmetology, leather works, ICT, and more.
Mrs. Garba reported that camp activities began on April 22, with the oath of allegiance taken on April 25.
A total of 1,558 corps members—754 males and 804 females—were registered, all demonstrating commendable discipline and cooperation.
In a goodwill remark, the State’s SAED Assistant Director, Mr Pupshik James Sumput, encouraged corps members to pursue their newly acquired skills after camp.
“For those who take this seriously, I pray your efforts will soon be rewarded,” he said.
The atmosphere became festive as a cultural troupe performed in honour of the DG’s visit.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has initiated major reforms aimed at revamping the NYSC programme. A committee has been established to review existing laws and policies, improve facilities, and enhance the scheme’s relevance to current socio-economic realities.
The committee is expected to engage stakeholders nationwide, propose new strategies for funding and monitoring, and align the NYSC more closely with national development goals.
In addition, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Alausa, has proposed extending the NYSC duration from one year to two years.
The proposed extension is expected to boost skill acquisition, deepen national service, and increase the programme’s impact—particularly through expanded entrepreneurship training and deploying more graduate teachers to underserved rural communities.
These ongoing reforms aim to reposition the NYSC as a stronger tool for youth empowerment, skills development, and national cohesion.
