By Nkechi Eze
The pioneer Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ahmadu Ali, has declared that the Scheme remains a permanent and vital institution in Nigeria’s national development, affirming that the NYSC has “come to stay” after more than five decades of operation.
Ali made the assertion when the incumbent Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Abuja.
In an official statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, Ali noted that the Scheme had over the years endeared itself to Nigerians through its programmes, services and nationwide visibility, strengthening the case for its continued existence.
The retired Colonel, who served as the first National Director—now designated as Director-General—of the NYSC, praised former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, for his visionary leadership which led to the establishment of the NYSC in 1973. According to him, the initiative has proved to be an enduring programme with sustained relevance in promoting national integration.
Ali explained that the Scheme has significantly fostered national unity by enabling young Nigerians to serve in states outside their regions of origin, thereby exposing them to diverse cultures and lifestyles across the country.
“People have the privilege to go to other states which ordinarily they wouldn’t have,” he said, adding that the programme has helped young graduates develop coping mechanisms and adaptability by taking them beyond their comfort zones.
He noted that these experiences have strengthened tolerance and understanding among Nigerians, while also helping participants appreciate the country’s diversity.
Ali further commended successive managers of the Scheme for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, expressing pride in the NYSC’s continued impact. He observed that the scepticism that initially greeted the Scheme’s establishment—when some Nigerian graduates protested against it—has since given way to enthusiasm and anticipation among prospective corps members.
The former NYSC chief executive also pledged to continue praying for the sustainability and progress of the Scheme.
Speaking during the visit, the NYSC Director-General, Nafiu, said the courtesy call was to honour the pioneer head of the Scheme and acknowledge the solid institutional foundation he laid at its inception.
He noted that the stability and longevity of the NYSC more than 50 years after its establishment were largely attributable to the leadership and foresight demonstrated by Ali in the early days of the programme.
Nafiu commended the retired Colonel’s administrative acumen, dexterity and wisdom in navigating the initial challenges faced by the Scheme at its inception, stressing that the NYSC remains indebted to him for the enduring leadership qualities he exhibited while in office.
