NYSC DG urges corps members to embrace service as a transformative journey during visit to borno camp
By: Zagazola Makama
Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), made a poignant call to the 2025 Batch A Stream II corps members during his working visit to the temporary orientation camp at Mustafa Umar Al-Kadhimi Arabic Palace, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Sunday.
His visit, marked by a strong message of unity, discipline, and national service, demonstrate the immense value of the NYSC scheme to the nation’s future.
As the DG addressed the 820 corps members in attendance, comprising 482 males and 338 females, he emphasized the unique opportunity they had to serve and contribute to national development. With a blend of humor, wisdom, and authority, Nafiu made it clear that the service year was not just a formality but a life-changing experience designed to expose young Nigerians to the diverse realities of their nation.
“This is a rare opportunity,” the DG began, reflecting on the transformational potential of the NYSC scheme. “You may be from different regions, different cultures, and different walks of life, but here, we come together as Nigerians, united by one goal: national development.”
Nafiu spoke directly to the corps members, urging them to fully embrace the values of the service year. He stressed that the NYSC scheme, initiated 52 years ago to promote unity following the Nigerian Civil War, had evolved into a critical platform for building bridges across ethnic and regional divides.
One of the most impactful moments of Nafiu’s speech came when he reminded the corps members of the importance of humility and discipline, core tenets of the NYSC ethos. He shared a message that resonated deeply with the young graduates who were embarking on their service year.
“Don’t say because you are a degree holder, you cannot bow. Bros, you may find yourself bowing,” Nafiu quipped, evoking laughter among the corps members. The message was clear no matter their academic achievements, corps members were expected to approach their service year with humility and respect for their host communities and fellow Nigerians.
Nafiu continued, “What you have now your degree it’s not just a product of your hard work, but also of the government’s investment in your education. Don’t take it for granted. You are privileged, and it is only right that you give back by serving your country with dedication and a sense of responsibility.”
The DG’s emphasis on humility was not only a call for proper conduct within the camp but also a life lesson for the corps members to apply in every facet of their service year and beyond.
In his address, Nafiu also underscored the significant impact that the NYSC has on fostering national unity. “Through this scheme, you are not just learning about Nigeria, you are living it. You are experiencing life in different parts of the country, learning new cultures, and becoming part of the diverse mosaic that makes up this great nation,” he said.
Nafiu used his personal experience as a testament to the power of the NYSC scheme. He reflected on his own service years, recalling how it shaped his perspective on Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and strengthened his commitment to national unity.
As the corps members settled into their roles within various communities across the state, Nafiu urged them to recognize the impact they could have, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. “You may be teaching in a rural school, serving in a clinic, or participating in community development projects, but in each role, you are laying the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive Nigeria.”
A critical part of the DG’s visit was his focus on security and the importance of staying vigilant, particularly in the volatile regions of the Northeast. Nafiu urged the corps members to be conscious of their surroundings and to avoid unnecessary risks, particularly night travel.
“Security is key. You have been briefed on security awareness, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of staying alert. Avoid travelling at night, and do not embark on unauthorized trips. Your safety is paramount,” he said, reinforcing the importance of adhering to safety protocols during their service year.
The DG also addressed a crucial issue for corps members absenteeism. He made it clear that any corps member who missed biometric clearance for three consecutive months would be automatically classified as an absconder, and would be remobilized to another location.
“If you miss biometric clearance three times, the system will classify you as an absconder, and you will be remobilized. The NYSC is not a casual exercise. You started here, and we expect you to finish properly,” Nafiu emphasized. His warning reinforces the seriousness of completing the NYSC year with full commitment and dedication.
The DG also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which he described as an essential tool for corps members to gain practical skills that could empower them beyond their service year.
“With the current unemployment rate, it’s essential that you acquire skills that will help you thrive, whether you choose to go into entrepreneurship, join the workforce, or pursue further education,” Nafiu said. “This is your opportunity to diversify your skillset and prepare for a future where self-reliance is crucial.”
Nafiu’s call for entrepreneurship was timely, given the economic challenges faced by many young Nigerians. He encouraged corps members to seize every opportunity to learn new skills that would complement their academic qualifications and improve their prospects in the job market.
The DG concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the Borno State Government, particularly Governor Babagana Zulum, for its ongoing support for the NYSC and for the camp’s operational success. Nafiu acknowledged the challenges posed by the camp’s temporary status but commended the efforts being made to ensure the corps members’ safety and well-being.
“We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the Borno State Government. I’m confident that with the plans in place, we will soon have a permanent, ultramodern orientation camp that will further enhance the NYSC experience,” he said.
In his final words, Nafiu encouraged the corps members to view their time in Borno as a transformative experience that would shape not only their futures but also the future of Nigeria. “You are not just serving your country; you are part of a larger mission to build a better, more united nation,” he said.
