Former Director‑General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Johnson Olawumi (Rtd), has said the scheme remains relevant to Nigeria’s unity and development more than five decades after its establishment, stressing its contributions to national integration despite challenges.
According to a statement posted on the official NYSC X account, Olawumi made the remark during an interaction with the current Director‑General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Olawumi emphasized that the relevance of the scheme “cannot be over‑emphasised,” pointing to achievements in community development, national programmes, and cultural integration.
He said these efforts have positioned NYSC as “a national instrument, building bridges across religious, socio‑economic and cultural affiliations.”
He commended the dedication of NYSC staff, describing them as “amongst the best crop of personnel I have worked with,” and urged Nafiu to harness their potential for effective leadership.
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Olawumi added that he continues to monitor the scheme’s activities and offers his thoughts when necessary.
In his response, Nafiu said the visit was to pay homage to his predecessor and acknowledge his contributions to the scheme.
He praised Olawumi for introducing initiatives such as the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which delivers healthcare to rural communities, and the e‑registration system for corps members.
“These innovations have strengthened the scheme’s impact on communities and improved its operational efficiency,” Nafiu noted.
Olawumi, who served as NYSC Director‑General from January 2014 to April 2016, reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the scheme, while Nafiu’s tribute underscored continuity in leadership and the NYSC’s evolving role in fostering national service and integration.
