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As a prospective Corp member, learning to recite the NYSC anthem is something that should definitely pique your interest. And the lyrics provided in this article would help you know it offhand. It only takes a few practices, trust me. If you’ve been reciting it wrongly, you can as well listen to the MP3 to get a good grasp of the NYSC Anthem flow.
It’d surprise you that some are asked to about the NYSC in job interviews. Other than that, it just feels good to know you are singing the right stuff during your NYSC orientation – especially during the opening and closing ceremonies. You will also be required to recite it during other important events in your year of service.
Like the Nigeria National Anthem, the NYSC anthem is packed with powerful, patriotic lines that may move one to tears. Don’t believe me? Listen to it.
Brief History of the NYSC Anthem
The Anthem of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was first introduced in 1985 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. It was composed by Dr. Oluwole Oladejo Adetiran in 1984. At the time, he was serving as a corps member in Oyo State. Today, Late Dr. Adetiran is recognized as a National Award recipient from the Federal Government of Nigeria, and as an iconic lecturer and Dean at the Polytechnic of Ibadan.
NYSC Anthem Lyrics
1st Stanza (Most Important)
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 Youths
Make Nigeria a great nation.
3rd Stanza
Far and near we come to serve
And to build our fatherland
With oneness and loyalty
NYSC for unity
Hail Nigeria, our great nation.
Tonic Solfa of the NYSC Anthem
This Tonic Solfa of the NYSC Anthem would come in very handy if you are a member of the brigade band boys who would lead all other corp members in the anthem recitation at the orientation camp, or if you are a music lover.
d d d d r d t l s Youths obey the clarion call
m m m r d r r r Let us lift our nation high
r r r r d r m r d under the sun or in the rain
r r r r d r m r d With dedication and selflessness
s, m m m d t r t d Nigeria’s our’s Nigeria we serve
Motto Of The National Youth Service Corps
The Motto of the National Youth Service Corps is “Service and Humility”. The motto embodies selfless dedication to community betterment, addressing societal needs through projects, and fostering a modest attitude that respects all. It guides young individuals in actively contributing to a positive and inclusive society.
Download NYSC Anthem MP3
You can download/listen to the full audio of the NYSC anthem here. Tap the “three dots” to download.
Significance of the NYSC Anthem
The opening lines of the anthem, “Youths obey the clarion call,” serve as a rallying cry for young graduates to rise to the call of duty and serve their nation selflessly. The anthem’s themes of unity, service, and loyalty are evident in lines such as “Under the sun or in the rain” and “With heart and mind, we serve our fatherland.” These words underscore the commitment of youth corps members to serve regardless of the challenges they may face.
In all, the NYSC anthem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and contributions that corps members make toward the development of Nigeria.
The poem has three (3) stanzas with each being five (5) lines. The NYSC is fifteen (15) lines in total.
Wrap-up.
Did you enjoy this anthem? Rate it on a scale of 1 – 10. Before you leave, do well to check out the anthem of some popular Nigerian institutions:
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.