NYSC: Tanzania to study innovation strategies

The United Republic of Tanzania has shown interest, on July 31, 2024, in studying the activities, programs, achievements, and challenges of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the aim of replicating them.

Her Excellency Judica Nagunwa, Deputy High Commissioner and Charge d’Affaires of the Tanzania High Commission, made this statement during a courtesy visit. 

She met with Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), at the National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

She noted that the Tanzania National Service program, which began in 1963, includes both voluntary and compulsory participants. 

However, she added that many successful programs from the NYSC have yet to be replicated in Tanzania.

In a press statement issued by Eddy Megwa, Director of Information and Public Relations, Nagunwa praised NYSC’s contributions to national development. 

She added: “We think there is the need to come and learn from you.

“We have come to study the structure of NYSC and see how it can assist us in vocational training, youth empowerment, wealth production and security.”

In his response, Ahmed explained that the scheme, established over 51 years ago, is a mandatory one-year national service program for graduates under the age of thirty.

He added that the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program has helped millions of corps members acquire valuable vocational skills.

These skills have empowered them to become employers in various locations across Nigeria.

The DG revealed that the NYSC has evolved significantly over time to better address national needs.

He added that NYSC was primarily established to foster national unity and integration after Nigeria’s three-year Civil War.

JKT vs NYSC

Tanzania’s National Service Program, known as Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT), and Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serve as platforms for engaging youth in national development.

However, they differ significantly in structure, focus, and objectives.

Tanzania’s JKT

Established in 1963, JKT mandates six months to one year of service for secondary school leavers and college graduates.

The program emphasizes military training, discipline, and vocational skills development.

Participants engage in physical conditioning, agricultural projects, and community development, reflecting Tanzania’s historical focus on self-reliance and national unity.

Nigeria’s NYSC

Launched in 1973, Nigeria’s NYSC is a one-year program mandatory for university and polytechnic graduates under 30.

It includes an orientation course, primary assignment, and community development service.

The NYSC aims to promote national integration by posting participants to regions outside their home states.

The program emphasizes professional development, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship, preparing youths for the workforce and fostering national unity.

Why Tanzania is Looking to Nigeria’s NYSC

Tanzania’s interest in Nigeria’s NYSC stems from several key factors:

National Unity and Integration: The NYSC success in fostering unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups is a compelling model for Tanzania.

Consequently, Tanzania seeks to strengthen national cohesion by adopting similar strategies.

Skill Development and Employment: The NYSC focus on skills acquisition and professional growth provides valuable work experience and addresses youth unemployment, a pressing issue in Tanzania.

Community Development: Its community development projects have significantly impacted rural areas in Nigeria.

Tanzania sees potential in adopting similar initiatives to address local challenges.

Comprehensive Approach: The organisation’s structure, which combines military training with civic engagement and vocational training, offers a balanced model.

As a result, Tanzania aims to replicate this approach for a more holistic national service program.

By studying and replicating the NYSC policies and strategies, Tanzania aims to enhance the effectiveness of its national service program.

Therefore, this approach seeks to promote unity and provide youth with valuable skills and experiences.

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