ABOUT THE NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme was established in 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon who was head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. In 1973 Nigeria had just emerged from a civil war (1967 - 1970) and the NYSC was a scheme to help with national integration and foster national unity.

The Programme was designed to afford Nigerian youths who have completed their various degrees and diploma programmes the opportunity to serve their fatherland for a year outside their immediate geographical setting.

The Scheme provides participants the ideal opportunity to acquire requisite leadership qualities, discipline and hard work that will assist them in contributing towards building a Nigeria society of our dream.

There are four major programmes in the National Youth Service Corps Year. These are:

• Orientation and Induction Course;
• Primary Assignment;
• Community Development Service; and
• Winding-up Exercise and Passing out Parade.

These programmes have been designed to imbibe Nigerian youths with a spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize cultural and social background. They also enable the youths to acquire the spirit of self-reliance.