NYSC-NiDCOM: Partnering For Youth And National Development

Bridget Temtsen

The urgent need for the  creation of Diaspora-NYSC Desk office in the country has been emphasized.

Such partnership will enhance further collaboration between the two agencies.

While the newly created Nigerians in Diaspora commission (NiDCOM) is responsible for the coordination and engagement of the Nigerians in Diaspora in the policies, project and participation in the Development of Nigeria. NYSC, on the other hand, which was established in 1973, is a mandatory service for Nigerian graduates, which qualifies them for employment in governmental establishments (and most private establishments) after completion of one year service.

On this premise, the creation of Diaspora Desk at NYSC will go a long way in not only enhancing the relationship between the two agencies but assist in a long way to take adequate care of returning Nigerians from abroad.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at her  visit to the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps Brigadier- General Shuaibu Ibrahim in Abuja, stressed the need for the second and third generation of Nigerian youths to be adequately sensitised on the importance of coming back home to contribute to the growth and development of their country.

The significance of this scheme is such that the certificate can determine your space in the workforce.

Such was the fate of a former minister, whose appointment came to an end following the discovery that her NYSC exemption certificate was fake.

One would wonder what effect the NiDCOM and NYSC relationship has on our national and economic growth.

As the commission is responsible for engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in Nigeria’s policies, projects and involvement in Nigeria’s growth, the collaboration between NiDCOM and NYSC will create a better environment for Nigerian youth in the diaspora to willingly return home to provide services to their father’s land.

Sequel to this, the Commission has accommodated more NYSC members than even some ministries for their service year, despite being a new and young agency.

Only recently, a Corps member serving with the Commission donated her March allowance to help her state government, Kogi state, in battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

This enlightenment will help prepare the Nigerian Diaspora youth for active involvement in the building of the Nation while the Diaspora-NYSC desk office will encourage their enrollment in the scheme and direct them appropriately through challenges (if any) they will face before, during and after enrollment.

The partnership between NiDCOM and NYSC is therefore a good step in the right direction as it would go a long way in educating Nigerian youths in the diaspora and teaching them national and civic values necessary to foster nation building.

Bridget Midong Temtsen is a staff writer in the Media and Public Relations Unit of NiDCOM, Abuja.