ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of the National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) on youths'
development with particular focus on its Community Development Services (CDS). Thus,
the study set out to, among other things, investigate the ways NYSC CDS programmes
have contributed to the development of Corps' members as well as to ascertain ways
NYSC CDS programmes have benefited youths in the immediate community of service.
The study further employed a survey research design, and in order to collect relevant
data for the study, a 5- point Likert scale questionnaire was used. The data collected
were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as tables, percentages, and frequencies.
From the analysis of data, it was found that NYSC CDS programmes have helped Corps
Members cultivate value for community service and have also helped in improving their
leadership skills. The result of the tests of the hypotheses, on the other hand, showed that
there exists a significant relationship between NYSC CDS programmes and Corps
Members' choice of vocations and that there is a significant impact of NYSC CDS
programmes on job creations for youths in the immediate community of service. Thus, it
was concluded that NYSC CDS programmes have contributed to the development of
Corps Members as well as youths in the immediate community of service. Finally, it was
recommended that the NYSC authority should intensifY effort towards proper
coordination of the CDS programmes in terms of intensive monitoring and supervision of
the Corps Members to consolidate the achievements of the scheme so far.