Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) the then head of State in Nigeria while speaking on July 2, 1973 when he Promulgated Degree No. 24 of May 24, 1973 which established the NYSC Scheme said “Youths constitute a dominant force for national mobilization and growth and as such have a crucial role to play in the all important task of national building.” The background for the establishment of the scheme could be traced to these reasons:
The detrimental and unsavory effect of the Nigerian Civil war (1967-70) which nearly tore the country apart.
The Nigerian youths of adolescent ages were seen to be naturally imbued with enormous skills and talents which could be properly tapped and harnessed to facilitate the peace process and government policy of Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reconstruction (The 3 RS) of the war victims and war ravaged communities in the country and;
The perspectives that to achieve better quality of life, a more secure and peaceful Nigeria, a more stable and buoyant economy for national development, there was need to mobilize Nigerian youths towards the realization of these noble national ideals.
Consequently, the founding fathers of NYSC Scheme agreed that the appropriate framework and platform to achieve these lofty national goals would be through positive mobilization of Nigerian youths in particular and by extension all Nigerians on the need for a new social and political order.
Hence, the promulgation of the decree which emphasized the need for National Unity, national building and national development. Frankly, these lofty and noble national ideals and goals could not be left for the leaders alone to achieve. And so, the founding fathers saw the need for collective commitment in the task of recovering Nigeria from the gruesome and devastating effect of the civil war.
The birth of NYSC scheme after the gruesome and bitter effect of the civil war therefore was anchored on a premise that the wounds and woes attendant on the civil war could be healed through mobilization of Nigerian youths who have the potentials and resources that could be harnessed to achieve the desirable goals and national cohesion for socio-economic and political benefits of the country. Other areas of concern were the issues of ethnicity and ethnic rivalry, religious intolerance, income and class inequality, weak and poor leadership which continue to plague the country in her developmental efforts. Equally troublesome, is our diverse population coupled with parochial mentality which have worked against securing loyalty from Nigerians. These are the areas of our national wounds where NYSC scheme is deemed most relevant to address. So, the burden of post-civil war in general development of the country and nation building was enormous. And events of the civil war itself were detrimental to interstate labour mobility. Identifying these multiple problems the founding fathers of NYSC scheme, went ahead to establish the scheme; “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.”
SELF-VISION AND DISCOVERY
Today the world has changed and will continue to change. Therefore, corps members must be visionary to make it in life. One such vision is acquisition of skill or skills to complement their degree or HND certificate. A visionary person is one who is not limited. He thinks outside the box and he is always ready to take extra mile amidst risks or unknown horizons. To be visionary a corps member must discover his/herself. Most people make great mistakes by thinking that money or material wealth are basic tools for one to succeed in life or be an achiever. Yes, money or material wealth is important. But the main factor that has been proven is the individual concern. Here, the factor of self-discovery is indispensable. Discover and actualize your potentials then all other things will take shape. The secret is for one to ACTUALIZE HIS/HER POTENTIALS THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION. And then be visionary and focused. Be committed to venture into your dream world. A life of vision and that of purpose mean seizing every opportunity that life offers and taking a great leap to greater height of achievements, success and fame. As a young person you are competent. So, WAKE UP; take the next step and “conquer the world”.
GUIDE FOR A SUCCESSFUL ORIENTATION
The NYSC service year is a unique one. For a successful service year, corps participants must be properly mobilized and trained through orientation course in camp. The orientation course should be seen as the core programme and the launching pad or spring board of the service year. Therefore, it is mandatory for all corps participants to go through orientation course before they are posted to serve in the field for primary assignment. The Government and managers of the scheme have put in place necessary facilities for the success of this orientation programme.
PREPARATION FOR POST SERVICE LIFE
There is a popular saying that as you make your bed so shall you lie on it. That saying is simply telling you that the power to change your future and your life is entirely in your hands. You and only you are responsible for your life. Therefore your life style and vision today matter a great deal. Start now to equip yourself with requisite skills for the rainy day. Start now to be self motivated. Start now to plan for the best and learn how to take risk. Life is all about survival. Remember Shakespeare’s prince in Hamlet and the courage he mustered to face life when he declared “To be or not to be…” The truth is that as you prepare for post service life, you must be honest and sincere in your engagement and pursuit for survival. Avoid short cuts, sharp practices, fraudulent or corrupt activities. These negative tendencies account for destruction and downfall of people. So, don’t ruin your life, don’t ruin your future. Rather decide to be good, and remain good.