NYSC supposed to train Nigerians on combat skills for self-defense — CDS Musa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was originally designed to equip young Nigerians with combat and survival skills for self-defense.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa stressed that self-defense and security awareness should be treated as basic life skills, just like driving or swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim. Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct.

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“In Europe, swimming is compulsory. Learning and teaching about security (is compulsory) because you have to learn what security is.”

Musa noted that corps members ought to be taught unarmed combat and other survival techniques during their service year, lamenting that the scheme has been reduced to just a three-week orientation camp.

“That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. I think it is important that we are able to give every Nigerian security awareness at whatever level. Self-defence is very important. Unarmed combat. Swimming. Driving. These are critical aspects for human endeavours,” he stated.

The Defence Chief warned that in today’s unpredictable world, such training is crucial for survival, urging Nigerians to