NYSC to Make Anniversary Celebration an Annual Nationwide Event – DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has announced that the scheme’s anniversary celebration will henceforth be observed annually across all NYSC formations nationwide as part of efforts to promote excellence, dedication, and service among staff and corps members.

He made the announcement during the command performance and anniversary lecture marking the 53rd anniversary of the scheme in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the new annual celebration will serve as both a moment of reflection on the achievements of the NYSC and an opportunity to recognise outstanding performance among corps members and staff.

Nafiu explained that individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment, integrity, and productivity within the scheme will now be formally honoured with certificates of merit during the anniversary celebrations.

He said the initiative is designed to strengthen morale and encourage a culture of excellence across all NYSC formations nationwide.

The DG also reaffirmed the management’s commitment to repositioning the scheme in line with current national needs, with a stronger focus on corps members’ welfare, safety, and effective communication within the organisation.

He urged staff and corps members to uphold the core values of patriotism, discipline, integrity, teamwork, and selfless service, which remain central to the objectives of the NYSC.

Nafiu further stated that the administration is working to enhance the relevance of the scheme in modern Nigeria by improving operational efficiency, strengthening workforce capacity, and prioritising the welfare and security of corps members deployed across the country.

He noted that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme under the NYSC has empowered thousands of young Nigerians with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, helping to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.

The DG also highlighted the contributions of corps members in key national sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, elections, and emergency response services.

He praised their dedication over the years, describing them as a vital force in promoting national unity and development.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the NYSC as one of Nigeria’s most respected national institutions since its establishment in 1972.

He said the scheme remains a powerful symbol of unity, patriotism, and cultural integration, bringing together young Nigerians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds to serve the nation.

The minister commended corps members for their service in schools, hospitals, farms, rural communities, and government institutions across the country over the past five decades.

He also called on state governments to deepen collaboration with the NYSC by improving welfare support and creating more meaningful engagement opportunities for corps members serving in their domains.

Olawande further emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s youth development strategy is closely tied to the success of the NYSC, adding that continued investment in the scheme would enhance entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and economic empowerment among young people.

He praised the leadership of the NYSC for ongoing reforms and expressed confidence that the scheme would continue to grow stronger in fulfilling its mandate of national integration and service.

The announcement comes as the NYSC continues to expand its role in youth development and national cohesion, reinforcing its position as a key institution in Nigeria’s education-to-employment transition system.