The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) anthem is more than just a song, it’s a declaration of unity, service, and national purpose. It is an anthem sung by corps members across Nigeria. The anthem reflects the vision of the NYSC scheme: fostering unity and building a better Nigeria through youth engagement.
Whether you’re preparing for orientation camp, serving as a corps member, or just curious about learning the NYSC anthem’s meaning, this guide provides the full lyrics, background, and significance of the NYSC anthem.
NYSC Anthem Lyrics (Full Version)
Here are the official lyrics of the NYSC anthem, which all corps members are expected to learn and sing with pride:
1st Stanza:
Youths obey the clarion call,
Let us lift our nation high,
Under the sun or in the rain,
With dedication and selflessness,
Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve.
2nd Stanza:
Members, take the great salute,
Put the nation first in all,
With service and humility,
NYSC for the noble youth,
Makes Nigeria a great nation.
What Does the NYSC Anthem Mean?
Each line of the anthem reflects the core values of the NYSC scheme:
- “Youths obey the clarion call” – Represents the call to national duty and unity after university or polytechnic education.
- “Under the sun or in the rain” – Highlights the resilience expected from corps members, regardless of hardship or condition.
- “With dedication and selflessness” – Emphasizes patriotism, volunteerism, and service to the country.
- “Put the nation first in all” – Encourages young Nigerians to prioritize national interest above personal gain.
READ MORE: Federal Civil Service Commission Recruitment(Updated)
Brief History of the NYSC and Its Anthem
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973 by the Nigerian government under General Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil war strategy to rebuild national unity.
The anthem was introduced as part of orientation camp traditions to:
- Foster a sense of belonging and pride
- Promote unity among Nigerian youths
- Set the tone for the service year experience
Till today, the NYSC anthem is sung:
- During morning parades in orientation camps
- At official events and passing-out parades (POP)
- At community development service (CDS) meetings
Why Is It Important to Learn the NYSC Anthem?
Corps members are expected to memorize and recite the anthem confidently. It’s often assessed during:
- Parade rehearsals
- Drills and orientation programs
- Swearing-in ceremonies
Failing to learn the anthem might even draw light disciplinary warnings during orientation.
Can I Watch or Listen to the NYSC Anthem Online?
Yes! You can find video and audio recordings of the NYSC anthem on:
- YouTube – Search “NYSC Anthem Nigeria”
- NYSC official social media handles
- Corps members’ content on TikTok and Instagram
Watching these videos can help you:
- Learn the rhythm and pitch
- Understand the correct pronunciation
- Practice with your fellow corps members
Tips for Learning the NYSC Anthem Fast
- Break it down stanza by stanza
- Chant it during daily parades or while jogging
- Practice with friends or roommates in camp
- Record yourself and listen while relaxing or traveling
- Attach emotions to the lines—it helps with memorization
Final Thoughts
The NYSC anthem is more than a song—it’s a reflection of your role as a young Nigerian committed to unity, service, and national development.
Whether you’re about to enter the camp or already serving, let the anthem remind you of your purpose and the impact you can make.
Youths obey the clarion call… Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the NYSC Anthem
Who wrote the NYSC anthem?
The official composer or lyricist of the NYSC anthem is not publicly credited, and details about its creation are limited in official records. However, it is widely believed that the anthem was composed under the supervision of the NYSC Directorate in the early years of the scheme. The goal was to create a song that would inspire patriotism, unity, and a sense of duty among Nigerian youths. The words were carefully chosen to reflect the values and mission of the NYSC—particularly unity in diversity, service to the nation, and selflessness.
Is it compulsory to learn the NYSC anthem?
Yes, it is compulsory for all corps members to learn and recite the NYSC anthem. From the first day of orientation camp, corps members are expected to participate in daily parades and drills where the anthem is sung. It forms a central part of the opening and closing ceremonies, flag-raising activities, and other official programs.
In some camps, commandants and instructors may ask random corps members to sing the anthem, especially during drills. Not knowing the lyrics may lead to minor disciplinary remarks, or in some humorous cases, extra physical drills. But beyond formality, knowing the anthem fosters a deeper connection to the NYSC vision.
How long is the NYSC anthem?
The NYSC anthem is relatively short and easy to memorize. It consists of two stanzas with a total of 10 lines, and typically takes less than a minute to sing completely. Despite its short length, it carries a powerful message of national unity, sacrifice, and youth responsibility.
Most orientation camps expect corps members to learn the full anthem within the first few days. It’s often sung in unison during flag hoisting, oath-taking, and early morning assemblies.
Can I be punished for not knowing the NYSC anthem?
While the NYSC scheme encourages discipline, corps members are rarely formally punished for not knowing the anthem—especially in the early days of camp. However, parade instructors or soldiers may assign extra drills or minor corrective exercises to encourage participation and seriousness.
That said, learning the anthem isn’t just about avoiding drills—it’s about embracing the spirit of service and understanding what NYSC stands for. It’s a rite of passage into your national assignment.
Is there a Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo version of the NYSC anthem?
No. The official NYSC anthem is in English, Nigeria’s official language. It is uniform across all states, regardless of the local language spoken in the host communities. Since corps members are posted to different regions, having one anthem in English helps maintain consistency and national identity throughout the program.
