By Harriet Tornguvan
The United Republic of Tanzania has shown interest in learning from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of Nigeria to replicate its activities, programs, achievements, and address similar challenges.
This intention was conveyed by the Deputy High Commissioner and Charge D'affaire of Tanzania High Commission, Her Excellency Judica Nagunwa, during her courtesy visit to the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, at the National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Nagunwa noted that the Tanzania National Service program, established in 1963, includes both volunteers and compulsory participants. However, she highlighted that several effective programs within NYSC have not yet been implemented in Tanzania. She praised NYSC's contributions to national development and emphasized the need to learn from its structure, particularly in areas such as vocational training, youth empowerment, wealth creation, and security.
Brigadier General YD Ahmed, in response, explained that the NYSC, which was established over fifty-one years ago, is a one-year compulsory national service program for graduates under thirty. He emphasized that the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program has enabled millions of Corps Members to acquire vocational skills, turning them into employers across Nigeria.
Ahmed detailed that NYSC has evolved to meet national needs, originally established to promote national unity and integration following the Nigerian Civil War. He further explained that the Scheme's responsibilities are shared among the Federal, State, and Local Governments.
"We collaborate with numerous organizations offering business grants to Corps Members to help them start their businesses. Over five million youths have benefited from the Scheme since its inception," Ahmed stated.
He assured the Tanzanian delegation of NYSC's readiness to provide the necessary support for Tanzania's National Service program.
