NYSC, khaki and the battle against drug abuse

Many young Nigerians see NYSC as just a one-year thing, khaki, clearance, CDS, and monthly allowances. But my experience taught me something deeper. National service is not about the uniform. It is about the impact made while wearing it. It is about seeing problems around us and deciding to act. It is about using our skills, creativity, and passion to better our communities. It is about leaving footprints that last beyond the service year.

> A week before the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I walked into the PRNigeria Centre expecting nothing more than another regular newsroom assignment. I had no idea that a simple instruction, “Put on your khaki; we’re heading out”, would lead me to an experience that would change my understanding of national service and the responsibility that comes with wearing the NYSC uniform.

> The PRNigeria Centre is not a regular newsroom. It is a place where ideas come to life, where books are created, and where young people are inspired to think beyond headlines. Corps members do not just write reports; they write books, lead campaigns, and join national discussions. I had seen this culture firsthand through publications like Youth Service for National Stability, Diplomacy and Digital Innovation, and anti-drug, anti-smuggling campaigns. These works, written by corps members, made me determined to leave my mark before my service year ends.

> But I did not expect that chance to come so quickly.

> Our destination was the NDLEA FCT Command, where Deputy Commander Aliyu Omama met us before we moved on to Parliament Secondary School and Government Secondary School, Apo. The mission was straightforward: teach students about the dangers of drug abuse under a campaign called “Promoting Drug-Free Schools: A Corper Initiative.”

> Abdulhameed Yushau Shuaib, a fellow Mass Communication graduate from Bayero University, Kano, serving at NITDA, led the initiative. Listening to him, I realized this was not just another awareness program. It was a heartfelt effort by a young Nigerian who refused to watch his peers fall into addiction, peer pressure, and the false glamour of drug use on social media.

> What struck me most was his belief. He was not complaining about the problem, he was tackling it.

> Deputy Commander Omama shared a message that was both serious and necessary. He explained how drug abuse leads to domestic violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes that affect our society. He listed commonly abused substances, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, using both scientific names and street slang that the students understood.

> Yet he did not present addiction as a dead end. He talked about rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration, reminding the students that help is available, but prevention is always better than cure. His final message was clear: never try drugs.

> Mrs Deborah Dada, representing NITDA’s Director General, urged the students to reject drugs and embrace digital skills. She reminded them that technology offers endless opportunities, which are far more rewarding than any short-lived high. Her praise for Abdulhameed’s initiative highlighted a powerful truth: national service is not about where you are posted, but what you choose to do with your posting.

> I was surprised by their engagement. They asked thoughtful questions, exchanged contacts, and showed real interest in future programs. I left the schools convinced that something important had begun.

> But the campaign was still only halfway through.

> Then came a competition that turned into a movement. An essay and quiz competition was announced for FCT schools. The response was huge: 87 essays submitted. Editors reviewed each one carefully, checking for plagiarism and AI-generated content to reward originality and real understanding.

> On 26 June, the UN Day Against Drug Abuse, the grand finale took place at the PRNigeria Centre.

> Ozor Kamsy of Federal Government Boys College, Wuye won the essay competition, followed by Arafat Ismail and Nafisat Abbas. Their presentations showed depth, clarity, and maturity well beyond their age.

> The quiz competition was also intense. Questions covered causes, consequences, prevention, rehabilitation, and global efforts against drug abuse. As I watched, I realized how much I still had to learn.

> Jamal Oyawoye of Badr Integrated School emerged as the winner, with Nicodemus Gideon and Salma Musa taking second and third place.

> This is a campaign with a future. Partner organizations promised to keep the initiative going. Umar Farouk Bala, Programme Coordinator of Youth Against Disaster Initiatives (YADI), announced plans to expand future editions to include disaster preparedness, digital citizenship, and public safety. NYSC representative, Mrs Rukayya Abu, praised the organizers and called Abdulhameed’s project a shining example of meaningful national service.

> Her words captured everything I had witnessed. The True Meaning of National Service.

> Many young Nigerians see NYSC as just a one-year thing, khaki, clearance, CDS, and monthly allowances. But my experience taught me something deeper. National service is not about the uniform. It is about the impact made while wearing it.

> It is about seeing problems around us and deciding to act. It is about using our skills, creativity, and passion to improve communities. It is about leaving footprints that last beyond the service year.

> That single instruction to wear my khaki took me beyond the newsroom and into a movement. It showed me the power of youth-led advocacy and reminded me that the true measure of NYSC is not how long you serve, but the difference you make during it.

> I arrived expecting a routine assignment. I left with a renewed understanding of responsibility, purpose, and the power of national service.