When Was NYSC Established? All You Should Know

If you are one of those who are curious to get the answer to the question of when was NYSC established, then, you are at the right place.

However, the answer to your question won’t be complete without peeping into the history of NYSC in Nigeria.

So, let’s have a quick recap of the history of NYSC.

How Did the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Start?

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established by decree No.24 “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”.

It was established by the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon shortly after the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War to let graduates of universities take part in the reconciling, reconstructing, and rebuilding of Nigeria.

After the civil war, the country was filled with tribal segregation, as such the Nigerian government sought ways to foster unity among Nigerians.

The National Youth Service Corps Scheme was one of the ways the government employed to remove cultural and geographical bias among the youths.

Formerly, It was mainly streamlined to University graduates but polytechnic graduates were later included in the National Youth Service Corps program.

When Was NYSC Established in Nigeria?

NYSC was established on 22 May 1973 during the General Yakubu Gowon regime.

It was used as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after the Civil War.

It was established based on decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973.

However, Decree No.24 of the 22nd of May 1973 was replaced with Decree No.51 of the 16th of June 1993 which now states the objectives of the NYSC scheme.

What led to the Establishment of NYSC?

The NYSC was established in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War between 1967-1970.

The war had a devastating impact on the unity of the country and, as such left Nigeria divided along ethnic and regional lines.

This scheme was as a way to help heal the wounds of the war and to promote national unity

What is NYSC About?

The NYSC scheme is compulsory one year of national service for all university and polytechnic graduates.

The scheme is important such that without the completion of one year of National Service, graduates are not eligible for employment in Nigeria.

Nigerians who have completed their tertiary education at a university or polytechnic are deployed to other Nigerian States than their state of residence or state of origin to serve their fatherland for one year.

At the end of the service year, NYSC corps members are given a certificate known as the National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate

This makes them eligible for employment in the country.

Who started NYSC in Nigeria?

NYSC started during General Yakubu Gowon and Adebayo Adedeji’s regime.

What is the motto of NYSC?

The motto of the NYSC is “service and humility”

This speaks volumes since the scheme took off with the first Director-General, Col. Yakubu Gowon

What has the impact of NYSC been in Nigeria?

The NYSC has made a valuable impact on different aspects of national development.

This includes providing healthcare to rural communities.

Also, It has made legendary contributions to education and rural infrastructure

Can NYSC truly bring unity among Nigerians?

There has been a lot of criticism geared towards the National Youth Service Corp scheme in recent years as it doesn’t seem to achieve the goals for which it was established. However, we are hoping in the future the situation will be improved and the NYSC will be appreciated and will meet all the goals it was established for.