National Youth Social Club (NYSC): Personal Experience of Legacy of the Nigerian Civil War

By Julius Afolalu

In the wake of the civil war's aftermath, Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was founded in 1973 with a noble mission to cultivate harmony and solidarity. This legislation played a crucial role in propelling the nation's reconstruction endeavors, placing great emphasis on fostering a sense of national unity.
Gowon's regime, the founder of the NYSC, faced corruption charges, despite the organization's noble goals. Following his removal, it was revealed that 10 out of 12 governors were involved in corrupt practices, which shed light on the flaws within the system. Additionally, Gowon's legal battles to wash his hands clean of Murtala's assassination further emphasized the corrupt nature of the regime.
Hence, it comes as no astonishment that the NYSC system embodies a deceitful front, brimming with deceitful practices, all the while protected by its legal status and seemingly noble objectives. Individuals pooled from diverse backgrounds good and bad are suddenly crowded together into a compound and made artificial brothers by fiat of Decree No. 24 of 22nd May 1973.
In reality, this purported brotherhood transforms into a fertile environment for behaviors that stand in direct opposition to the values of integrity and righteousness. Activities such as prostitution, rape, drug abuse, and various other immoral acts dominate, justifying a complete renaming of this initiative as the "National Youth Social Club" in its most degraded form.
Gowon's NYSC Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, like his repeal of Aguiyi-Ironsi's Unification Decree No. 34 of May 24, 1966, should ideally face repeal. Both decrees are extraneous and anti-establishment, warranting a similar fate. Repealing them would be a move toward rectifying historical imbalances and aligning with a more progressive and inclusive vision for governance.
As long as the NYSC Decree is not canceled, this book has to be a helpful tool for young people who are serious about their future. It warns them about the moral dangers of the NYSC and encourages them to get ready and strengthen themselves to face these challenges. It reminds them of the saying, "It's better to be warned so you can be prepared." By reading and spreading the word about this book, people can spread knowledge and together make a stronger and smarter generation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CT5THNBX
• ISBN13: 9798877224827
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 52 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"