The management of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) will ensure regular evaluation of the scheme for improved service to the nation, its Director-General, Marahazu Ismaila Tsiga said yesterday in Ibadan.
Mr Tsiga, who spoke at a ceremony to mark the 2010 Batch A pre-orientation workshop held at the Premier Hotel, said whatever challenges the scheme is facing, the management will ensure that its values are sustained and will always strive to promote the over-all socio-economic growth of the country.
“We are all determined to give the best of service to the nation. We would, indeed, create and add value to the entire range of NYSC performance, in critical social sectors, for its continual relevance to the over-all socio-economic growth potentials of Nigeria,” he said, adding, “Challenges will always be with us. This fact, then necessitates regular evaluation of our activities, for better performance.”
Mr. Tsiga also called on the Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala to approve the construction of lodges for youth corps members in each of the 33 local government areas of the state.
Enhance safety
He said this would enhance the safety of corps members as well as improve their service to the fatherland.
The Director General also asked Mr Alao -Akala to complete the construction of the permanent orientation camp before the end of the first half of the year.
“Whatever challenges the scheme is facing, the corps will ensure that its values are sustained and will always strive to promote the over-all socio-economic growth of the country,” he said.
Mr Tsiga however commended state government for its support for the scheme, saying the governor has contributed immensely to the scheme and its activities in the state.
A lot of Nigerians have started questioning the continued relevance of the scheme introduced in 1973 as a way promoting unity in the country. Under the programme, recent graduates are posted to states other than their own to embark on a one year compulsory service.
But, lately, cases of attacks on youth corps members and corruption within the agency running the programme has undermined its appeal to Nigerians.
