By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has applauded generations of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for what he described as their unwavering contributions to national development and unity since the Scheme’s establishment 51 years ago.

Gowon, who created the programme in 1973 to help heal post–civil war divisions, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at his Abuja residence.

In a statement issued by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC, the retired general celebrated the Scheme’s impact on education, healthcare, rural development, and the conduct of national elections, noting that Corps Members have consistently upheld the Scheme’s founding ideals.

“Let me commend all the staff of the Scheme from inception to date,” Gowon said. “Thank you for ensuring that it records success.”

Gowon highlighted that the NYSC was born out of Nigeria’s collective desire to deploy its human resources to rebuild the nation after the war. He noted that beyond development strides, the programme has fostered inter-ethnic marriages, cross-cultural understanding, and a stronger sense of national identity.

But the elder statesman also urged stakeholders to help reposition the Scheme for “current realities,” calling for expanded investment in entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives—a key mandate of the NYSC Act.

DG Nafiu, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for Gowon’s constant guidance and reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC workforce to sustaining the Scheme’s legacy while pioneering new achievements in the post–golden jubilee era.

The meeting underscores a renewed momentum around strengthening one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions.