In 1973, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was brought into existence via Decree No. 24, setting a noble mission to reconstruct, reconcile, and rebuild Nigeria post-Nigerian Civil War. This decree aimed to foster national unity and cultivate common bonds among the nation’s youth. Nevertheless, this decree saw replacement by Decree 51 in 1993.
Universities and institutions of higher learning have a fundamental role in shaping future leaders. Graduates under 30 were mobilized upon graduation to prioritize future leadership. The NYSC scheme’s central purpose is to instill in Nigerian youth the values of selfless service to their communities and promote unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social differences.
Initially, Corps members are assigned to various states across the nation and later dispatched to local governments for a year of service at their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). They also engage in mandatory community development service, dedicated to advancing sustainable development within local communities.
For Miss Aramide Ajiboye, the NYSC was a transformative experience that led her on a path to becoming a Development Knowledge Facilitator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her time at the NYSC camp profoundly influenced her understanding of the NYSC’s mission and her commitment to sustainable development. During her camp experience, she gained a deeper understanding of the SDGs, emphasizing national unity and empowering young individuals to be catalysts for positive change.
At the NYSC camp, Miss Ajiboye received intensive training, formed connections with people from all corners of the nation, and developed a resolute commitment to effecting change in her community and beyond. In Eti Osa 1 Local Government, Aramide Ajiboye and her fellow Corp members initiated the ‘The Green Learning Hub Initiative,’ a project focused on educating students about sustainability and environmental issues, equipping them with responsible and environmentally conscious skills.
Their projects honed in on SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation). The unwavering dedication and community spirit observed at the camp inspired her to launch projects with a tangible impact on the communities she served. As part of their community development service in their Local Government, one of their projects tied to SDG Goal 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation led to the donation of a 2000-liter storage water tank and waste baskets to Kuramo Junior College in Victoria Island on October 12, 2023.
Miss Ajiboye firmly believes that her NYSC experience played a pivotal role in shaping her journey as a Development Knowledge Facilitator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It instilled in her the values of service, unity, and community development, which remain guiding principles in her work to promote sustainable development. To her, the camp was not just a milestone in her life; it served as the launchpad for her mission to contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill the vision of the NYSC and the United Nations SDGs.
