By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended professional and regulatory bodies across the country for their continued collaboration in ensuring that its mobilization process remains seamless, efficient, and aligned with the highest standards.
The NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the commendation in Abuja while declaring open the fourth meeting of the Scheme with heads of professional and regulatory bodies that have operational links with the Corps.
In his address, Nafiu underscored the importance of professional competence and certification in complementing academic qualifications, noting that they add greater value to the potential of Nigerian graduates. He lauded the regulatory institutions for their guidance and mentorship, describing them as custodians of professional standards pivotal to the development of Nigerian youths.
“Our graduates cannot merely be job seekers but must be job creators, investors, and globally certified professionals,” Nafiu declared. He added that the Scheme, built on the tripod of national unity, integration, and development, has for over 52 years remained a bridge for fostering patriotism and equipping young Nigerians with values of service to the country and humanity.
The NYSC DG further assured that the Scheme would continue to provide effective manpower for the nation, while transforming the service year into a platform for professional excellence, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurial innovation. He stressed that the task of moulding the youth cannot be left to government or a single agency, but requires a collective vision, shared responsibilities, and unwavering synergy of purpose.
“I am confident that with your support we can form a new legacy of competence and integrity. The future of Nigeria is in the hands of our youths. How we equip them today will determine the prosperity, unity, and global competitiveness of our nation tomorrow,” Nafiu stated.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director of Corps Mobilisation Department, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed, highlighted the indispensable role of professional and regulatory partners in shaping robust standards, safeguarding public interest, and strengthening the credibility of the mobilization process.
He acknowledged the tangible benefits of the collaboration, including improved mobilization procedures and enhanced efficiency, but pointed out existing challenges such as procedural ambiguities and inconsistent regulatory interfaces. According to him, “A robust partnership will enable us to harness pooled expertise, harmonize regulations and guidelines, and embrace innovations that reduce delays, enhance accuracy, and uphold integrity across the entire mobilization value chain.”
The meeting was attended by representatives of key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), among others.
