By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has organised a one-day Capacity Enhancement Training for its Legal Officers with a charge from the Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, for them to continue guiding management with sound legal advice, especially at crucial moments, to strengthen the Scheme’s compliance with statutory provisions. The training, held in Abuja, brought together legal representatives from the 36 States, the FCT Secretariat, and the National Directorate Headquarters.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC boss underscored the importance of the programme, noting that it aligns with his administration’s policy thrust of “Strengthening the NYSC Scheme to Better Meet the Evolving Needs of Contemporary Nigerian Society and Ensure its Future Relevance.”
Addressing the participants, Brigadier General Nafiu urged them to take full advantage of the training to enhance their knowledge, expand their skills, and strengthen their capacity for more effective service delivery within the Scheme. He commended the Legal Unit for its diligent handling of litigations and the effective coordination of the Corps Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), which he described as one of the most impactful projects under the Community Development Service (CDS).
“I charge you all to build on the achievements by redoubling your efforts in the performance of your duties,” the DG said. “I commend officers who have been instrumental to the achievements recorded in the area of legal representation, but I urge you not to rest on your oars with regards to rendering objective legal advice and quality representation to the Scheme.”
He further tasked the officers to leverage emerging technology, stay abreast of advancements in the legal profession, and equip themselves with the necessary tools to meet contemporary demands. Brigadier General Nafiu assured the participants of management’s support, promising to provide the resources and tools necessary to enable the Legal Unit fulfil its mandate effectively nationwide.
Earlier, the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, explained that the theme of the workshop, “Optimizing the Capacity of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Legal Officers for More Effective Service to the Scheme,” was carefully chosen to deepen professional competence and broaden knowledge in line with global best practices. He emphasised that the training was designed not only to strengthen the skills of the officers but also to provide exposure to modern strategies in legal service delivery.
The workshop brought together legal officers from across the country, serving as a platform for learning, collaboration, and experience sharing aimed at enhancing the overall quality of legal services in the NYSC.
