From our news desk, Benin
In the promotion of national Unity, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) annually mobilises the average of 350,000 members.
Brig. Gen. Dogara Ahmed, the Director - general of the Corps stated this while delivering a lecture titled: 'Harnessing The Potentials of the Nigerian Youths for National Unity and Development', at the 5th Convocation lecture of the Edo State University, Uzairue.
The Director-general who was represented by Ladan Baba, director, South - South zone of the Corps said the scheme being the largest youth organization in Africa, has given participants the much needed exposure and opportunity for deeper appreciation and understanding of the nation's diversity.
The NYSC was therefore established as a deliberate Public policy to ensure the realization of the Federal Government post-war strategy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (RRR), he said.
"The NYSC was a significant step towards youth engagement; it mandated qualified graduates of Universities and other tertiary institutions to participate in a one year service programme to foster national unity and provides opportunity for the youth to contribute to community development."
He said the NYSC have created opportunity for establishing life-long relationships among the youths; as a lot has also been achieved in the area of cultural integration.
According to him, the scheme has the objective of developing common ties among the youths and promoting national unity.
Hence they are assigned to jobs in States other than their State of origin with the intent of removing prejudice and eliminating ignorance among the young graduates.
The DG added that the objectives of the scheme was to inculcate discipline in the Nigeria youth by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work.
Also, to render patriotic and loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves.
Continuing, he listed the Corps objectives to include; raising the moral tone of the Nigeria youth by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievements, social and cultural improvement.
To develop in the Nigeria youth; the attitude of mind acquired through shared experience and suitable training which will make them more amenable to mobilization in the national interest, he continued.
Therefore in order to achieve the objectives, the service corps shall ensure equitable distribution of members and effective utilization of skills in areas of national needs; such as the members are assigned to work together in States other than their State of origin, Brig. Gen. Ahmed said.
Also the NYSC has contributed to development of the education sector with corps members serving as teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary schools he asserts; adding that they are mostly posted to secondary schools where they constitute the major manpower, especially in the rural communities.
Further, he stated that the corp members are also involved in the health sector, agriculture, NYSC ventures, general elections, national census, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development.
However, in all of these, the scheme is still faced with challenges such as inadequacy of orientation camp facilities; poor infrastructure in various formations; submission of wrong data on graduates; poor quality of graduates being presented for mobilization, deployment and relocation, recketeering, among others.
The DG consequently called on the State Governments to live up to their statutory responsibilities to the scheme; in the provision, maintenance and upgrade of camp facilities.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor thanked the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Emeritus Thomas Okpo Audu for his immense contribution to the success story of the University.
Also thanking the DG of NYSC Brig. Gen. Ahmed, the Vice Chancellor noted that it was important to acknowledge the immense capabilities of the youth and role they play in shaping the future of Nigeria.
Congratulating the graduating students, he said they should take a leap of faith, believe in themselves, abilities and dreams; noting that the belief will propel them forward, allowing them to surmount obstacles and reach for the stars.
"Achievement is not a destination; it is a continuous journey, it requires dedication, hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence," he advised.
In the same vein, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Emeritus Audu thanked the State governor, Godwin Obaseki for his support in ensuring that the University continue to make giant strides.
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