A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Johnson Olawumi, has reaffirmed the continued relevance of the scheme in fostering national integration and development more than five decades after its establishment.
Olawumi, a retired Major General, said the NYSC has remained faithful to the ideals behind its creation, noting that it has consistently met national expectations despite operational challenges over the years.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations.
He highlighted the scheme’s contributions to community development, national intervention programmes, and the promotion of unity and cultural integration, describing it as a vital instrument for bridging divides across religious, socio-economic and cultural lines.
The former NYSC boss made the remarks while receiving the incumbent Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Olawumi also praised the quality of NYSC personnel, describing them as among the most dedicated professionals he worked with during his tenure.
He urged the current leadership to effectively harness their potential for improved service delivery.
He added that he continues to monitor the activities of the scheme and offers guidance when necessary.
Speaking during the visit, Nafiu said the meeting was to honour his predecessor and commend his legacy of leadership.
He specifically lauded Olawumi for initiating key programmes such as the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which deploys corps members to deliver healthcare services to underserved communities, as well as the introduction of the NYSC e-registration system.
Olawumi served as NYSC Director-General from January 2014 to April 2016.