The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a program set up by the Nigerian government to involve Nigerian graduates in nation building and the development of the country. There is no military conscription in Nigeria, but since 1973 graduates of universities and later polytechnics have been required to take part in the National Youth Service Corps program for one year.
Corp members are posted to cities far from their city of origin to ensure they develop good team spirit where they are expected to mix with people of other tribes, social and family backgrounds, to learn the culture of indigenes in the place of their posting. This is to bring about and help graduates appreciate other ethnic groups.
To inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work, and of patriotic and loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves.
To raise the moral tone of the Nigerian youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement.
To develop in the Nigerian youths the attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training. which will make them more amenable to mobilisation in the national interest.
To enable Nigerian youths acquire the spirit of self reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self employment.
To contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy.
On this platform, NYSC jobseekers can apply for jobs but should be prepared to wait to get the job only after they have completed their NYSC programme in line with the requirements of the Nigerian Government. NYSC Jobseekers are however advised to register and keep abreast of available jobs so after their one year service they are able to get placements quickly.
Corp members are posted to cities far from their city of origin to ensure they develop good team spirit where they are expected to mix with people of other tribes, social and family backgrounds, to learn the culture of indigenes in the place of their posting. This is to bring about and help graduates appreciate other ethnic groups.
The equitable distribution of members of the service corps and the effective utilisation of their skills in area of national needs.
That as far as possible, youths are assigned to jobs in States other than their States of origin.
That such group of youths assigned to work together is as representative of Nigeria as far as possible.
That members of the service corps are encouraged to seek at the end of their one year national service, career employment all over Nigeria, thus promoting the free movement of labour.
That employers are induced partly through their experience with members of the service corps to employ more readily and on a permanent basis, qualified Nigerians, irrespective of their States of origin.