My service year of impacts, laurels and fulfilment at TASUED

By Rasheedat Ajakaye

As I reflect on my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), I am filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped me into a dedicated and impactful corps member. My experience has been marked by exceptional achievements, leadership roles, interpersonal bonds and community development commitments. From the moment I arrived at TASFUED Students’ Affairs Division, I knew that I was in for a collaborative journey that would transform me to  grow in ways I never thought possible. I sincerely appreciate General Yakubu Gowon, the Head of State that introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria on May 22, 1973, through Decree No. 24.

Without hesitation, CINAC Royal College everlastingly occupies a special place in my success story for being one of the earliest phases of my academic excellence, moral values and social responsibilities. Importantly, the Lagos State University remains the fountain that shaped me into a distinguished and impactful corps member. The university’s unique culture of academic excellence, healthy discipline and explorative environment made me to exemplarily stand out during my national service. Importantly, I appreciate the Zonal Inspector, Dr Emily; the Local Government Inspector, Mr Falowo and the Beautiful Assistant Local Government Inspector, Mrs Grace for creating a sane environment for us to develop personally and contribute to the society.

First, as the Financial Secretary of the Education Community Development Service (CDS) Group, I worked smoothly with three Presidents; hereby demonstrating my agility and transparency. I worked closely with them: Akinjetan Emmanuel, Abdullahi Rukayat and Aderinkola Adeola. In fact, I played respective vital roles in carrying out various projects which were initiated by them. One notable initiative was the One-Week Educational Community Development Service (CDS) Programme, financially sponsored by the Local Government Chairman, Honourable Dare Alebiosu. The programme, which was held from May 19th to May 23rd, 2025, aimed to transform the lives of students across eight esteemed Senior Secondary Schools. We encouraged students to showcase their oratory skills, creativity, and knowledge on the topic, ‘The Functional Intervention of Entrepreneurship to the Conflicting Context of Technology’.

As the Financial Secretary, I gifted selected students copies of my published book, Shattered Shadows of Youths, with also emphasising the importance of positive role models and warning against negative influences. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the students who participated in the programme. They were eager to learn and grow, and it was a privilege to be a part of their journey. I am also proud to see the impact that our programme had on the students, who returned to their classrooms with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of purpose through management of technological properties.

Furthermore, Abdullahi Rukayat initiated a debate competition where we demonstrated our critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The debate competition, spearheaded by our then President, was an Intra-NYSC debate among Community Development Service Groups in Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Ogun State. I willingly represented my Education Group, and we debated the thought-provoking topic: “Who Does the Most: Teachers or Students?” I delivered an impressive performance, showcasing my public speaking skills and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Sincerely, serving at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education made me able to defend the priceless efforts of teachers in both far and immediate societies.

Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor of TASFUED, Professor Oluwole Sikiru Banjo, has commended me as a thoughtful corps member and a First-Class graduate of English Education, Lagos State University (LASU). My exceptional academic and creative attitude has earned me recognition, including the creation of an acrostic poem for TASFUED, which was displayed at the institution’s Senate Building and College of Humanities (COHUM). The acrostic poem was a creative project that showcased my appreciation for the university and its values. As a corps member at TASFUED’s Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance and the Department of English, I carried out my duties with diligence and convenience, showcasing my ability to multitask and excel in different roles.

I also had the chance to be appointed as an assessor of stage plays and participate in academic conferences at the university, which provided valuable insights and opportunities for growth. The discussions and interactions with fellow corps members and university staff were enriching and thought-provoking. My experiences in these departments have broadened my understanding of the importance of quality assurance in academic institutions. After becoming the NYSC Corps Liaison Officer (CLO) of TASFUED, I played a key role in coordinating corps members’ activities. I worked closely with other corps members on our project for the school. We re-produced an acrostic poem which was on plastic installed in metal framing at the Students’ Affairs. This was after I placed it on a banner as a personal project at the Academic Building and College of Humanities (before I became the Corps Liaison Officer).

In addition, Our CDS group’s initiatives have made a lasting impact on the community. For instance, on October 1st, 2025, our group visited a local orphanage, spreading joy and cheer to the residents. We presented gift items to the disabled children, offered prayers, and engaged in fun activities like playing and dancing together. The highlight of the visit was interacting with the children who expressed their gratitude for our presence.

Afterwards, October 20th, 2025, I donated ten (10) copies of  Shattered Shadows of Youths to the Gbenga Daniel Library (University Library) of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education. My national service indeed became more interesting during the months of rounding-off. Surprisingly, the Administrative Officer of the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance recommended me to the Centre for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning (CITEL), Academic Building, TASFUED. There, I assisted significantly with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria exercise and I was appreciated.

On my passing out parade date, I received two awards from Professor Tope O Omotayo (Department of Adult Education, College of Specialised and Professional Education) and Mr Stephen A Ayinmode (Department of Creative Arts, College of Humanities): Award of Recognition and Award of Academic and Creative Impact respectively. I especially appreciate these two relative intellectual authorities. Just after the send-off that the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA, TASFUED) organised for me on the November 12th, 2025, I left for Lagos State in honour; on this same day, I received a positive news that  the Gbenga Daniel Library has acknowledged my donation to the library through a huge number of appreciating and encouraging words.

As I reflect on my NYSC experience, I am proud of the impact that I have made in the community. From the students I have mentored to the projects I have worked on, I know that I have made a difference. My experience at TASFUED has taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork, and community service, and I am confident that these values will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I look forward to the future, I am excited to take the skills and values I have acquired during my service year and apply them to make a positive impact in my community. I am confident that the experiences I have had at TASFUED will stay with me forever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served.

In correspondence to the aforementioned, my NYSC experience at TASFUED has been a transformative journey, marked by leadership, community service, and academic excellence. I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped me into a dedicated and impactful corps member. As I look forward to the future, I am confident that the skills and values I have acquired during my service year will enable me to make a positive impact in my community. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I complete my National Youth Service. To the Almighty, I give all the glory – Your grace and mercy made this journey possible. I am thankful to everyone who supported me along the way- family, friends, and the TASFUED community. Your love, encouragement, and prayers meant a lot. Special thanks to TASFUED and Ogun State for the opportunity to serve. I’m grateful for the experience and lessons learned. Thank you!