NYSC Remains Nigeria’s Priceless Legacy That Fosters National Development — Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of Nigeria’s greatest legacies that has continued to foster unity, integration, and national development since its establishment. Adeleke made this known while addressing corps members during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation programme held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State, where he reiterated his government’s support for the scheme and called for the preservation of its ideals as a unifying institution in the country.

Speaking before a crowd of young graduates who had just commenced their mandatory one-year national service, the governor emphasized that the NYSC has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national development efforts for over five decades. According to him, the programme has consistently promoted peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and patriotic service among the Nigerian youth, many of whom are deployed to serve in states far from their places of origin. He noted that this unique feature of the scheme has strengthened the nation’s social fabric by encouraging inter-ethnic friendships, marriages, and collaborations across cultural lines, thereby breaking down barriers of ethnicity, religion, and regionalism that have often threatened the unity of the country.

Adeleke praised the foresight of General Yakubu Gowon, the former Head of State, under whose administration the NYSC was established in 1973 as a post-civil war initiative to heal wounds, integrate diverse communities, and foster a spirit of national reconciliation. He pointed out that fifty-two years after, the vision behind the scheme has not only endured but has expanded into a vehicle for grassroots development and social progress. The governor further stressed that corps members deployed across various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and technology have made immense contributions to nation-building, particularly in underserved communities where their services often provide lifelines to local populations.

Highlighting the contributions of corps members in Osun State, Adeleke commended their roles in complementing the efforts of government institutions by providing teaching support in schools, assisting in rural healthcare delivery, and participating in agricultural extension services that help to boost food security. He added that their involvement in community development projects such as literacy campaigns, environmental sanitation, vocational trainings, and public health awareness programmes has left lasting legacies in the host communities. According to him, these efforts demonstrate that the NYSC is not just about fostering unity but also about empowering communities with knowledge, skills, and services that directly improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

The governor however called on the federal government to continue to provide adequate funding and resources to the NYSC to ensure that corps members can carry out their assignments effectively and under safe conditions. He stressed that the welfare and security of corps members must remain paramount, especially in light of the challenges posed by insecurity in some parts of the country. He urged relevant agencies to intensify collaboration with state governments in guaranteeing the safety of corps members while serving in their host communities.

Adeleke also reminded the corps members of the importance of discipline, patriotism, and dedication throughout their service year. He encouraged them to approach their assignments with a sense of responsibility, humility, and willingness to contribute meaningfully to their host communities. He also urged them to leverage the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programmes offered during the service year, noting that the era of relying solely on white-collar jobs after service has passed. He stressed that corps members should use the NYSC year as an opportunity to acquire new skills, network with peers from different backgrounds, and build a foundation for self-reliance in the future.

The governor’s remarks resonated with the leadership of the NYSC in Osun State, who also reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to nurturing youth for national service and development. The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Olayinka Abdulwahab, while addressing the corps members, commended Governor Adeleke for his consistent support to the scheme in the state. She noted that the state government has always demonstrated a high level of commitment to the welfare of corps members, particularly through the provision of enabling facilities at the orientation camp and assistance in community development projects. She expressed confidence that corps members posted to Osun State would find the environment peaceful, friendly, and conducive for their service year.

Corps members at the event expressed enthusiasm about their postings, with many of them sharing excitement about exploring new cultural experiences and contributing to the communities where they would be serving. Some of them stated that the NYSC year represents an important opportunity to give back to society, while also learning resilience, teamwork, and leadership in practical terms. They acknowledged that although challenges such as insecurity and unemployment remain national concerns, the NYSC provides a platform for young people to engage positively with the country’s developmental needs.

Observers at the ceremony noted that Adeleke’s remarks about the NYSC as a national legacy were particularly significant at a time when debates about the relevance of the scheme have resurfaced in certain quarters. In recent years, there have been calls from some Nigerians to review or scrap the programme, citing issues of insecurity, inadequate funding, and the changing dynamics of the labour market. However, Adeleke’s strong endorsement of the NYSC aligns with the position of several stakeholders who argue that the scheme remains indispensable in bridging Nigeria’s ethnic and regional divides and continues to provide manpower for critical sectors of the economy.

Many analysts believe that while reforms may be necessary to adapt the NYSC to current realities, its abolition would be counterproductive and detrimental to the goal of nation-building. They argue that the scheme has succeeded in creating a generation of Nigerians who see themselves first as citizens of one country before identifying with their ethnic groups. Beyond this, the NYSC has been instrumental in equipping young graduates with survival skills, leadership qualities, and practical experiences that prepare them for the complexities of life after graduation.

Governor Adeleke’s declaration reinforces the growing sentiment among progressive leaders that the NYSC must be preserved, strengthened, and modernized to meet 21st-century demands. His message to corps members was clear: their service year is not just a formality, but a crucial part of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development. As he stood before the eager faces of young graduates ready to embark on their service journey, the governor’s words carried a reminder of the enduring value of national unity in a diverse country like Nigeria.

As the ceremony ended with corps members taking their oath of allegiance, there was a renewed sense of optimism about the future of the scheme and its role in shaping the destiny of the country. With Adeleke’s emphatic declaration that the NYSC remains Nigeria’s priceless legacy that fosters national development, the event served as both a reaffirmation of faith in the scheme and a call to action for stakeholders at all levels to ensure its sustainability. In a country often plagued by division and challenges, the NYSC continues to stand as a beacon of unity, hope, and service — a testament to the enduring belief that Nigeria’s strength lies in the hands of its young people working together for the common good.