HOW LONG DOES NYSC TAKE?
Nigeria, a densely populated nation comprising more than 250 ethnic groups and 36 states, along with the Federal Capital Territory, boasts a total population of over 180 million people residing within the country and abroad. The vast array of languages, dialects, cultures, and ways of life among its diverse population highlights the magnitude and dynamism of the Nigerian system. As a result, the Nigerian Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established to foster unity and peace across the nation.
The NYSC program requires every Nigerian graduate, whether from universities within the country or abroad, to participate. Through this initiative, individuals from different areas, regions, districts, communities, tribes, and states, each with their distinct customs and values, come together and interact. This mingling of diverse backgrounds promotes unity in Nigeria.
During the NYSC program, participants like Olamide from Oyo State, Chidinma from Ebonyi State, Ukegheson from Benin, Tyehimba from Tiv, and others, gather in a camp where they share a confined space for a period of time, engaging in various activities together. This experience fosters a spirit of togetherness, forming the foundation upon which the NYSC scheme is built.
Brief History Of Nysc
The Nigerian Youth Service Corp was established in 1973 by the Nigerian Military Government as a means to foster national unity and facilitate the recovery, reconstruction, and development of the nation following the civil war. It was created under decree No. 24, which aimed to encourage and strengthen the bonds among Nigerian youth while promoting a sense of common identity. Participation in this program is compulsory for all Nigerian graduates, but it also comes with certain provisions.
How Does Nysc Works?
In Nigeria, it is a requirement for individuals who have completed their bachelor’s degree, regardless of their field of study and whether they obtained their degree within the country or abroad, to participate in the program. This means that even if a Nigerian student attended a university outside of Nigeria, they are still obligated to attend the program. Therefore, the program is not exclusive to students from Nigerian universities.
Participants of this scheme, known as Corp Member, are Nigerian graduates who are assigned to states other than their place of origin. In these assigned locations, they are expected to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic groups, social backgrounds, and family backgrounds, and also to familiarize themselves with the local culture and traditions. The purpose of this initiative is to promote unity in the country and to facilitate the appreciation and understanding of different ethnic groups among the youth.
How long Does Nysc Takes?
The program, which is mandatory for one year, consists of numerous activities and exercises in which the participants actively participate. It begins with a three-week orientation course in a boot camp supervised by the military. During this time, they undergo physical training, attend professional lectures, and receive skill acquisition training. Afterward, they are assigned to their primary work location where they will serve for the next 11 months.
Initially, these assignments were based on the educational qualifications of the participants. For example, a medical graduate would be assigned to the healthcare sector, while a mass communication graduate would be placed in a media house. However, currently, most participants are assigned to schools to work as teachers.
While fulfilling their work responsibilities, the Corps members are also expected to participate in the Community Development Service (CDS) program. This involves weekly meetings and collaborative efforts to complete projects that will have a positive impact on the local communities where they are stationed.
After completing 11 months of service, a “passing out ceremony” is held, followed by a one-month vacation. At this point, the Corps member is free to move forward with their life.
See also;
- Is Niche Scholarship Real? Explanation of The Requirements
- Is Nitro Scholarship Legit? Explaining:- Criteria and Ways to Apply
Objectives of Nysc
The objective of this program cannot be over-emphasized.
The objectives of the scheme as contained in section 1(3) of the enabling legislation were:
- To raise the moral tone of our youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement and social and cultural improvement;
- To develop in our youths attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training, which will make them more amenable to mobilization in the national interest;
- To develop common ties among our youths and promote national unity by ensuring that:
i. as far as possible, youths are assigned to jobs in states other than their states of origin;
ii. each group, assigned to work together, is as representative of the country as possible;
iii. the youths are exposed to the modes of living of the people in different parts of the country, with a view to removing prejudices, eliminating ignorance and confirming at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups; - To encourage members of the service corps to seek, at the end of their corps service, career employment all over the country, thus promoting the free movement of labour;
- To induce employers, partly through their experience with service corps members, to employ more readily qualified Nigerians irrespective of their states if origin; and
- To enable Nigerian youths to acquire the spirit of self-reliance.
Basically, the NYSC has since been on the ground to involve the country’s graduates in the development of the country.
CONCLUSION
In a nut shell the one year program is a mandatory one which every Nigeria Youth must participate in as this is a method to imbibe in the youths the spirit of voluntary national unity and the need for peace across every tribe, community and states of the country.
