As the nation continue to grapple with insecurity issues in some parts of Nigeria, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim has stated that members can now be mobilized to defend Nigeria.
Ibrahim who appeared on Channels TV’s programme on Wednesday, explained that corps members are educated and possess the required training to take part in defending the territorial boundary of the nation if situation arises.
Recall, NYSC was established in May, 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon with the aim of fostering national integration and unity among young Nigerian graduates.
The scheme which is a one-year mandatory program for all Nigerian graduates below the age of 30 upon its establishment was clearly stated not to be a military conscript but rather a program vested with the mandate to instill discipline and reliant spirit of patriotism and loyalty in Nigerian graduates.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim who is the 18th DG of the scheme had today given a divergent opinion which is not in tune with the purpose why the program was established.
Ibrahim said, “Corps members are on reserve. They are part of the national defence policy of this country. So, where there is serious war, our corps members are educated, they are knowledgeable and they can be trained. You see the drill and so on.
“You can imagine within the short three weeks in the orientation camps, the corps members are moulded. They are like soldiers. You see female corps members blowing the army horn, playing with the military band.
“So, if not for the knowledge, where are you going to mobilize such young Nigerians to train them quickly to put in their best for the country? So, corps members are on reserve. They are also part of the national defence policy.”
