The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Management has expressed deep condolences to the family of its former Director-General, Colonel Peter Kolawole Obasa (rtd), following his death. He died on Sunday (28 September 2026) at age 88.
NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu led a condolence visit to the family’s residence in Ilorin, Kwara State. He described Obasa as a pioneer manager and one of the founding fathers of the scheme, crediting him with laying a strong administrative foundation that has sustained NYSC over the decades.
Nafiu noted that Obasa’s tenure as the third Chief Executive (September 1979 to January 1984) recorded significant achievements. He appreciated the late colonel’s contributions, prayed for the repose of his soul, and said the loss extends beyond the immediate family to the entire NYSC family, which will continue to cherish his legacies.
Nafiu particularly thanked Obasa for personal encouragement and support during his lifetime and assured the family that the scheme would build on the foundation laid by its early leaders. “I convey the condolences of the entire NYSC family to the Obasa family,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Victor Obasa described the death as shocking, thanked God for his father’s life and enduring legacies, and expressed gratitude for the honour NYSC accorded him: “We are overwhelmed, and our family says thank you, NYSC, for the honour you gave our dad. We are very grateful to you for not forgetting him.”
Born on 20 January 1938 in Kabba (in present-day Kogi State), Obasa pursued education that included teacher training and later degrees (including combined honours in geography and history from Ahmadu Bello University, plus postgraduate qualifications).
He rose through the Nigerian Army and held notable postings before and during his NYSC leadership. He was also associated with efforts to upgrade the Nigerian Defence Academy into a degree-awarding institution.
Obasa served as NYSC Director-General from September 1979 to January 1984, succeeding Colonel S.K. Omojokun who followed the pioneer Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Ahmadu Ali (May 1973–August 1975).
After his NYSC tenure, Obasa faced allegations related to contract awards. He was tried by a tribunal under the Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon led Supreme Military Council in 1984, imprisoned for roughly seven years, and released during the Ibrahim Babangida administration.
In later years he publicly maintained his innocence, described aspects of the process as flawed or retroactive, and sought resolution of his military retirement status, gratuity, and pension.
He authored House of Exile, recounting his experiences, and in interviews stated that he had forgiven those involved while continuing to call for justice on entitlements. He resided in Ilorin in his later years.
Family statements announcing his passing described a life of “honour, service and fulfilment” marked by service, sacrifice, discipline, integrity, and devotion to family. He is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral arrangements were to be announced later.