The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a scheme set up by decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 by the Nigerian government to involve Nigerian graduates in nation building and the development of the country.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.
Graduates of universities and later polytechnics have been required to take part in the National Youth Service Corps program for one (1) year which comprises of four (4) main segments in which every Corps Members must satisfactorily participate before he/she is qualified to be issued a certificate of National Service.
The service year therefore comprises of:
§ Orientation Courses
§ Primary Assignment
§ Community Development Service
§ Winding – Up/Passing –out
A National Youth Service Corps year starts with a three (3) weeks orientation course and it is compulsory for all Nigeria graduates mobilised for national service. The course lasts for three (3) weeks and is designed to achieve the following objectives:
§ To give Corps Members a better understanding of the objectives of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme and enable them internalise its ideals
§ To acquaint members with their environment in their political, cultural, social and economic setting
§ To prepare Corps members for their particular roles in the Scheme.
§ To equip them with practical social and leadership skills that will enable them meet the challenges of the service year ahead.
§ To inculcate in the Corps members the spirit of national consciousness as a basic ingredient in nation building.
§ To instil discipline in the youths.
§ To give Corps members adequate physical and mental training.
§ To imbibe them with the Spirit of collective responsibility.
To achieve the above objectives the orientation course opens with a swearing –in/opening ceremony presided over by the executive Governor of the State/FCT Minister. The oath of Allegiance and the National Pledge are administered by the Chief Judge of the State/FCT.
The orientation course content involves physical training, drills, lectures on the people and tradition of the host State, professional lectures for Corps health personnel’s, lawyers, teachers and Skill acquisition training e.t.c.
Corps members participate in social activities designed to create opportunities for them to interact.
They participate in dance and drama competitions, Miss National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Mr Macho. They also participate in inter platoon competitions on football, volleyball, table tennis, cooking and sanitation.
Corps members are also trained on Man ‘O’ War activities leading to competitions on inter platoon drills and tug of war.
Prospective youth corpers can maximize their time at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp by
- Join the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS)
The Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS) is a great way to serve while in the camp. A very important unit of the camp, it will offer you opportunities to not only develop your editorial and media skills, you will get to know the key officers in the camp.
It also gives you a measure of authority and allows you to get an exemption from some of the camp activities which you may be averse to.
- Join Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) and Learn a Skill
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) a few years ago introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) to the list of orientation programs for corps members in the camp.
The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) has helped a lot of corps members to develop one skill or the other.
This is a platform for you to learn graphics, interior decorations, fashion designing, make-up, bead-making, fish farming etc. Lots of graduates have become self-employed through Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).
- Run A Business On Camp
While many think going to will require you to spend the money you don't have for three weeks, a business-minded graduate like you should ignore such a mindset and think of how to make money on camp.
Photography is probably the most popular business in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp. If you have a camera and you are very good at photography, you'll certainly make some cool cash before leaving the camp.
In addition to the above, you can earn passive income and sustain yourself during and after your service year by
- Uploading and Selling Your Project Report
- Offer Freelance Services
- Uploading and Selling Computer Based Test (CBT)
If you were posted to a learning institution and you require a lesson plan, kindly purchase it from here.
One year might look long but if you put it to good use, it would surely benefit you for years to come.
Happy Service Year.
