Why NYSC Will Never Be Optional – FG

“So the rational behind the NYSC scheme by General Gowon up till now subsists. Every country, even Nigeria is still on daily basis trying to promote its unity in diversity and with the strength of our youth sending them to, some of us have never been to the part of the country where we served , never knew their culture, never experienced them. never knew if they were Nigerians up. North or Southeast that we share something in common . In fifty years next year we’ll be celebrating NYSC at fifty.”

He stated that the government wishes to strengthen the scheme and document its many success stories as it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, and that a committee charged with that task will be inaugurated today, Wednesday.

The Minister, who was fielding questions from reporters during his appearance on the PMB Scorecard Series in Abuja, revealed that a compelling documentary on the NYSC at fifty, which is soon to be released, will help to dispel any doubts about its relevance to the country.

He contended that because the scheme is intended to improve nation-building, the suggestion of optionality is defeated.

However, he explained that the scheme’s management is working to reform certain provisions of the Act that have been a source of contention, particularly among Nigerians in the diaspora.