By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) of the Scheme’s commitment to sustaining a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.
General Nafiu gave the assurance when members of the National Executive Council of NANS paid him a courtesy visit at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General noted that NANS has consistently supported the Scheme since its inception, adding that the NYSC remains open to strategic collaboration with the students’ body whenever the need arises.
He emphasised that the primary objective of the NYSC is to foster national unity and integration, stressing that the Scheme could not have effectively discharged its mandate without the support of Nigerian students, as every undergraduate is a potential Corps Member.
General Nafiu stated that the Scheme remains focused on strengthening its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling unemployment and promoting self-reliance among Nigerian youths.
He also urged NANS to remain proactive as a critical stakeholder in public policy by contributing meaningfully to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking further, the Director-General disclosed that NANS would be actively engaged in the pre-mobilization process and other stages leading to the Orientation Course, noting that the association is well positioned to provide valuable support because of its close relationship with students across tertiary institutions.
He further assured the NANS leadership that the ongoing reforms within the Scheme, particularly its continuous digital transformation, would reposition the NYSC for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
Earlier, the Senate President of NANS, Comrade Moses Ikeabuchi, said the delegation visited the Director-General to familiarise themselves with his leadership and explore areas of collaboration, particularly in Corps mobilisation, for the benefit of both organisations.
He pledged the association’s continued support for the Scheme, assuring that NANS would remain a constructive voice on issues of national importance affecting Nigerian students and prospective Corps Members.
Also speaking, the National Vice President of NANS, Comrade Sadique Zango, commended the NYSC for its commitment to the welfare and accommodation of Corps Members.
He appealed for closer liaison between the Scheme and students before mobilisation to ensure a more seamless orientation and service experience.
