Written by David Ugbabe
The House of Representatives Committee on Youths on Thursday declared that there are no plans by the Federal Government to scrap the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) despite a recent bill seeking to scrap the scheme.
The Chairman of the committee, Yemi Adaramodu, made the statement in Abuja at the official unveiling of nine books on NYSC and maiden NYSC film in commemoration of the 48th anniversary of the scheme. He said, “The scheme is going nowhere and it is not the plan of the National Assembly to scrap it. I want to let you know that we’re with you and for you. We’re fully with you, we’re together.”
Recall that a bill sponsored by Awaji-Inombek Abiante seeking for the dissolution of the scheme scaled its second reading at the lower chamber. However, Adaramodu said the NYSC is the most successful national programme for fostering Nigeria’s unity. He added, “Anybody is free to sponsor a bill, but the speaker and the rest of the house believe that the scheme has come to stay in Nigeria. He assured that the committee as well as the Federal Government is in full support of the scheme. “Once you see us here, you should know that we are together and we are fully with you,” he said.
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Also present at the event was the Nasarawa State Governor, Gov. Abdullahi Sule who said the corps members have been utilized in many organizations he headed. He explained that no amount of money can buy the unity that the scheme stood for. “Just as there’s no price for security, there is also no price for unity, and the NYSC defines the unity of Nigeria,” he said.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim in his welcome address said he believes that the documentation of the scheme’s activities will enrich the knowledge of Nigerians and non- Nigerians about the scheme. He said, “It will thereby engender a greater appreciation of its relevance and numerous achievements.” He added that it would be a veritable reference tool for for researchers in addition to inspiring more patriotic zeal in youths.
The books unveiled include NYSC (1973-2020) Emergence, Growth and Development; NYSC and National development; NYSC and Community development service in Nigeria.
Others are NYSC and elections in Nigeria; NYSC and National integration; NYSC and Nigeria’s health sector; NYSC and the educational sector; NYSC and COVID-19 pandemic as well as NYSC and Skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development.
The maiden NYSC film titled ”A call to service” was among items unveiled to mark the scheme’s 48th anniversary.
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