Learning Outcome

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

• Identify the core objectives of the NYSC scheme.

• Explain how each objective contributes to national growth and development.

• Appreciate the importance of active participation in fulfilling the scheme’s goals.

Overview

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973 through Decree No. 24, with the overarching aim of fostering unity, development, and patriotism among young Nigerians. Beyond serving as a mandatory post-graduation program, the scheme was designed with clearly defined objectives that guide its operations and activities. These objectives provide the framework for the one-year service and explain why graduates are mobilized across the country.

This lesson breaks down the official objectives of the NYSC scheme and their practical implications for corps members and the nation.

Core Objectives of the NYSC Scheme

1. Foster National Unity and Integration

   • To promote lasting peace and harmony among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

   • Corps members are posted outside their states of origin to break ethnic, cultural, and regional barriers.

2. Contribute to National Development

   • To harness the energy and creativity of young people in driving development.

   • Corps members support sectors like education, healthcare, rural development, and technology.

3. Develop Patriotism and Discipline

   • To instill in youths a sense of national duty, loyalty, and responsible citizenship.

   • The program encourages respect for laws, institutions, and collective responsibility.

4. Promote Skill Acquisition and Self-Reliance

   • Through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, corps members gain skills to reduce unemployment and dependence on white-collar jobs.

5. Encourage Community Development and Volunteering

   • Corps members initiate Community Development Service (CDS) projects, such as building boreholes, offering free health outreach, literacy programs, or environmental cleanups.

6. Facilitate Cultural Exchange

   • By serving in new environments, corps members are exposed to different traditions and cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

7. Prepare Youths for the Labor Market

   • Corps members acquire practical work experience at their Primary Place of Assignment (PPA), bridging the gap between school knowledge and workplace demands.

Significance of These Objectives

• They transform the NYSC into more than just a year of service; it is a nation-building project.

• They help corps members grow personally while contributing meaningfully to the society.

• They serve as a blueprint for promoting unity, development, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

In summary, the objectives of the NYSC scheme are centered on building a united, peaceful, and self-reliant Nigeria through the active participation of its graduates. Every corps member plays a vital role in achieving these goals by embracing service, community development, and cultural exchange.