Former Nigerian President General Yakubu Gowon has disclosed that Nigerian students opposed the introduction of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) when it was first introduced.
Gowon made this revelation during the courtesy visit by the newly appointed Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, at his Asokoro, Abuja residence.
Reflecting on over 50 years of NYSC history, Gowon saw the very significant contributions of Corps members to the nation’s development.
He also praised the policy of deployment, which makes it possible for Corps members to serve outside their individual states of origin, resulting in unity and cultural integration.
“The NYSC was opposed with great resistance by Nigerian students throughout the country when it came into being,” Gowon said.
But he said that the scheme had overcome its early resistance and developed into a very popular national programme for unity, integration, development, employment creation, and empowerment of youths.
The NYSC was established during Gowon’s administration as a component of post-war reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Nigeria following the 30-month civil war.
