By Nkechi Eze
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Ismaila Tsiga (rtd), has called on the current leadership of the Scheme to sustain its gains in promoting national unity, integration, and youth development as it approaches its 53rd anniversary.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC, Caroline Embu, Brigadier General Tsiga made the call when he received the Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Kaduna.
The former NYSC chief commended the dedication of staff and Corps Members, describing them as central to the Scheme’s success in fostering national cohesion and contributing to nation-building across various sectors. He noted that their sustained efforts have helped maintain the unity and developmental impact of the organisation over the years.
Brigadier General Tsiga urged the management to further improve the welfare of Corps Members to boost morale and enhance productivity during national service. He recalled that during his tenure from 2009 to 2011, his administration introduced the “War Against Poverty” initiative, under which Corps Members were supported with startup funds to establish small-scale businesses after their service year.
In his remarks, the incumbent Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised his predecessor for his contributions to the growth of the Scheme and stated that the visit formed part of his engagement with past chief executives to draw from their experience and institutional knowledge.
He explained that the NYSC is intensifying efforts to expand its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme as part of strategies to address graduate unemployment in the country, noting that new partnerships have been secured to provide Corps Members with financial, material, and technical support.
Brigadier General Nafiu also highlighted challenges posed by the rising number of graduates from Corps Producing Institutions, which has increased pressure on mobilisation. He disclosed that the Federal Government has approved an increase in the number of prospective Corps Members to 450,000 for the 2026 service year.
