The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to enhance Corps mobilisation, youth empowerment and national development.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, the Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the assurance while receiving members of the National Executive Council of NANS during a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
General Nafiu said NANS has remained a dependable partner of the Scheme since its inception, noting that the NYSC would continue to embrace strategic collaboration with the students’ body whenever necessary.
He explained that the Scheme’s core mandate is to promote national unity and integration, stressing that its success over the years has been largely supported by Nigerian students, who constitute the pool of prospective Corps Members.
The Director-General said the NYSC is strengthening its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among Nigerian youths.
He also urged NANS to remain actively engaged as a key stakeholder in national development by making meaningful contributions to the country’s democratic process.
General Nafiu disclosed that the students’ association would be involved in the pre-mobilisation process and other activities leading to the Orientation Course, noting that NANS is strategically positioned to support the Scheme through its close engagement with students across tertiary institutions.
He further assured the delegation that the ongoing digital transformation within the NYSC would enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery across the Scheme.
Speaking on behalf of the students’ body, the Senate President of NANS, Comrade Moses Ikeabuchi, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the new NYSC leadership and exploring areas of collaboration, particularly in Corps mobilisation, for the benefit of both organisations.
He reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to supporting the Scheme and pledged that the association would continue to play a constructive role on issues affecting Nigerian students and prospective Corps Members.
Also speaking, the National Vice President of NANS, Comrade Sadique Zango, commended the NYSC for its efforts towards improving the welfare and accommodation of Corps Members. He appealed for stronger engagement between the Scheme and students before mobilisation to ensure a smoother orientation and national service experience.
