Hope Ofobike & Nankyen Rinmak
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on final year students of the University of Jos to uphold a high sense of discipline in preparation for their service year.
Officials of the NYSC from Abuja made the call during a briefing of final year students from various departments at the school’s Multipurpose Hall.
Addressing the students, a staff of the NYSC, Mrs, Joyce Akaa, traced the history of the NYSC scheme to the post-independence upheaval in the country emphasizing that General Yakubu Gowon instituted the scheme on May 22, 1973 to reconcile the nation after the Civil War.
“The aim of the scheme is to inculcate discipline and self-reliance in Nigerian youths, expose youths to different parts of the country and encourage national unity and patriotism”, Akaa told the students.
She added that only final year students who have obtained the relevant qualification of HND and Bachelor’s degree, who are below 30 years of age and have graduated from a tertiary institution are qualified for service.
“Exception of service is granted only to students who are recipients of national honour, employed in the military, or have life threatening illnesses”, she stressed.
Administrative Officer in the Directorate of Students’ Affairs of the university, Mr. Kopte Kassam noted that “This briefing captures everything the students need to know about the challenges and gains of the service year”.
Students were given the chance to ask questions and make comments.
The NYSC service year consists of four cardinal programs, which include orientation course, primary assignment, community development service and the passing out parade, all of which are compulsory for corps members.
