NYSC@50: Ex-Corps Members Celebrate With Throwback Pictures

On 22 May, 1973, the government of General Yakubu Gowon, established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the hope of uniting Nigeria youths, who were separated by the Nigerian civil war that took place towards the last half of 1960s.

The scheme was created in a bid to reconcile and rebuild the country after the war with a view to develop common ties among the youths of the country and promote national unity.

Since its creation, graduates of universities and later polytechnics have been required to take part in the compulsory one-year scheme except for youths that are either older than 30 years when they graduated or have served in the military or paramilitary for a period of more than one year.

Corps members are posted to states other than their state of origin where they are expected to mix with people from different ethnic groups, social and family backgrounds, and learn the culture of the indigenes in the location they are posted to.

There are countless testimonies of couples who met during NYSC, one of them being the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who met his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, when the governor went to Enugu State for his service.

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As the scheme celebrates its 50th anniversary, some ex-corps members have celebrated by sharing throwback pictures of them during their service year.

Some of the former members, who posted on their social media handles, said the scheme impacted their lives positively.

The schemes director-general, Brigadier General, Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed, as part of celebration, unveiled plans to make corps members self-reliant through skills acquisition.

The DG made this known during a Unity Walk to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYSC, with activities set for the event commencing on Monday, May 15, 2023.

Ahmed said since its establishment, the NYSC has contributed significantly to the development of education, health, politics and the unity of the country.