IDEOLOGY IN CONTRADICTION

REASSESSING THE NYSC’S EFFICACY IN FOSTERING NATIONAL INTEGRATION AND UNITY IN NIGERIA (1973–2017)

Abstract

The events that precipitated the devastating Nigeria-Biafra War (1967–1970) and its aftermath fostered deep-seated feelings of disunity, eroded national consciousness, marginalization, and despair among Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people. In an effort to reintegrate the country's diverse ethnic groups and foster national cohesion, General Yakubu Gowon introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in 1973, alongside other policy measures. However, the resurgence of separatist agitations in recent years—such as calls for the Arewa Republic, Oduduwa Republic, Republic of Biafra, and Niger Delta Republic by the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern regions, respectively—has cast doubt on the scheme’s efficacy in promoting national consciousness, integration, and unity. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the NYSC scheme in Nigeria amid persistent ethnic and religious intolerance, marginalization, mutual distrust, and struggles for self-determination. Employing a descriptiveanalytical approach, the study relies on secondary data sources. Findings reveal that despite the mandatory one-year national service undertaken annually by thousands of Nigerian university and polytechnic graduates, the envisioned "unity in diversity" and peaceful coexistence as one nation remains elusive. The study recommends, among other measures, the sincere implementation of policies that promote inclusiveness, equity, and fairness across Nigeria.