The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has resumed orientation activities in Maiduguri, Borno State for the first time in 13 years. The exercises were halted in 2011 due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

On Monday, NYSC State Coordinator Mohammed Adamu oversaw the swearing in of Batch B Stream 2 corps members at a temporary orientation camp in the state capital. Enhanced security was provided by the military, police and civilian task force.

Governor Babagana Zulum facilitated the return of the orientation program to Borno State. He expressed delight that the resumption of NYSC camps signified improving peace and stability after years of insurgency.

Some 1,125 corps members including 629 males and 496 females are participating in the Maiduguri orientation. The camp is situated at the Arabic Teachers College due to the lack of permanent NYSC facilities.

Zulum directed NYSC officials to identify graduates of science courses, medical and para-medicals backgrounds for possible employment with the state government.

The government aims to utilize the skills of NYSC participants in healthcare and rebuilding efforts as stability improves in the northeastern state after prolonged insurgency.