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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory scheme established by the Nigerian government during the military rule of Head of State Yakubu Gowon in 1973 through Decree No. 24.
Its purpose is to “reconstruct, reconcile, and rebuild the country” following the Nigerian Civil War.
Graduates, after spending four to six years at any accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria, undergo this one-year national service to their Fatherland, and with the new National Anthem, to their Motherland.
Since its inception, NYSC believes that the scheme has fostered national unity and cohesion and inculcated in Nigerian Youths the spirit of selfless service to the community.
However, it is important to note that, apart from Nigeria, there are other countries where the National Youth Service Corps is being practiced.
Other countries where National Youth Service Corps is practiced, along with their local names and purposes:
1. France: Civic Service
- Voluntary commitment to a mission of general interest
- Duration: 6 to 12 months, averaging 8 months, at least 24 hours a week
2. Mexico: Servicio Social
- Established in 1936 after the Mexican Revolution
- Targets university undergraduates
- Focuses on creating politically, economically, and culturally minded citizens
- Deploys doctors to rural areas and bridges the gap between social classes
3. Kenya: National Youth Service
- Established in 1964, focusing on defense and vocational training
- Engages youth in nation-building and reconstruction
- Responded to insecurity post-independence
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4. Ghana: National Youth Service Scheme
- Established in 1976 by military decree
- Aims to foster national unity and service among all societal classes
- Initially targeted high school graduates, later included university graduates
- Program duration reduced from two years to one year
5. Chile: Servicio PaĆs
- Targets young people aged 16 to 25
6. Israel: Sherut Leumi
- Voluntary program primarily for young women as an alternative to military service
- Also includes young men
- Participants work with charitable organizations like hospitals and orphanages
7. Taiwan: Overseas Alternative Service Program
- Alternative to mandatory military service
- Participants work on aid programs abroad
- Requires basic military training followed by specialized training in areas like medicine or agriculture
8. Armenia: Alternative Service Program
- For conscientious objectors, including non-military work close to home
- Implemented after legal changes in 2013
9. South Africa: National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC)
- Established in 2010
- Focuses on rural youth unemployment and skills development
- Provides opportunities for job or enterprise development
10. Guatemala: National Youth Service Corps
- Aims at development and community service
- Linked with international aid programs and development initiatives
Programs like these have been established in various areas considered crucial by each country, such as defense, national cohesion, health, education, culture, sports, community development, civics, international development, and humanitarian efforts.
While some programs, like Nigeriaās National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), are mandatory, others are voluntary, such as AmeriCorps and Teach for America in the United States.
The goal of civic service is to develop confident and skilled youths. Participants are taught not only to be determined but also to interact effectively with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Although civic service is not a prerequisite for employment, it provides participants with valuable skills that can give them an advantage in the job market. These programs aim to promote national cohesion and integration while also imparting new skills.
The requirements for joining these programs vary by country. For example, in Nigeria, it is mandatory for all undergraduates under the age of 30.
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