By Our Correspondent

National News – The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated that the NYSC scheme remains a central pillar of national unity in Nigeria, tracing its origin to post–civil war reconciliation efforts and highlighting its role in youth integration and cultural exchange ahead of the scheme’s 53rd anniversary on May 22.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, Nafiu said the scheme was created after the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970 as a deliberate policy to rebuild trust, promote reintegration and strengthen national cohesion through compulsory deployment of graduates outside their states of origin.

He noted that by exposing young Nigerians to diverse cultures and communities, the NYSC helps build tolerance, friendship, and inter-ethnic relationships, with many corps members experiencing new environments for the first time during their service year.

He said the approach remains a practical tool for national integration and understanding across ethnic lines.

The DG added that over the years, the programme has evolved significantly, growing from about 2,364 corps members in 1973 to over 400,000 annually, while also improving welfare, administration and digital engagement to meet modern youth expectations.

It has also integrated technology for better coordination and efficiency.

Nafiu further stressed that despite challenges facing national unity, the NYSC remains one of the most effective instruments for nation-building, citing cases of inter-ethnic marriages and lifelong relationships formed during service as evidence of its impact.

He reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to sustaining unity and preparing young Nigerians for leadership, emphasizing continuous adaptation to technology and social change as Nigeria approaches its 53rd anniversary celebration.