We'll maintain NYSC for national unity - BuharI

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja pledged that his administration will take all necessary actions to maintain and improve the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme as a functional vehicle for the promotion of  national unity and integration.

Buhari gave the assurance after receiving a briefing from officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rabi Jimeta.

The President affirmed his confidence and trust in the programme, saying that the objective for which the scheme was established in 1973 was still very relevant for national development now.

"I firmly believe in NYSC and I think it should remain a national programme to promote integration.

"Whenever I go home to Daura, I look out for Corps members from Lagos, Aba and other parts of the country.

"I am always thrilled to learn that except for the NYSC, some of them have never left their states of origin to visit other cities in the country," President Buhari said.

Mrs. Jimeta told the President that the increasing number of NYSC participants posed a challenge to the scheme due to the dwindling revenue, from the national budget, to cater for their needs.