Former head of state General Yakubu Gowon revealed that Nigerian students boycotted the New York State National Youth Service when they were first introduced.
Gaon said when the newly appointed Director-General, Brigadier General Oluseye Nafiu, gave a polite visit at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
He acknowledged the multidimensional contribution of the Legion members to the national development over the more than 50 years of the program’s survival.
He further praised the City’s deployment policy, which exposes Corps members to various ethnic groups and cultures in Nigeria, posting them in states and geographical locations outside of itself.
“New York City has been strongly opposed by Nigerian students across the country,” he said.
However, the program not only overcomes initial doubts, but has grown into a nationally recognized and accepted tool for fostering Nigeria’s national solidarity, integration, development, job creation and youth empowerment.
Founded by the Gowon Administration, the New York City (NYSC) is part of a post-war plan to reconcile, rebuild and restore Nigeria, which has damaged the country after 30 months of painful civil war.
