Benue Lawmaker Agbese urges Tinubu to suspend proposed NYSC reforms  

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to halt the implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), insisting that the changes should undergo wider stakeholder engagement before taking effect.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the appeal in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

A member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, the lawmaker described the NYSC as a vital national institution whose core objectives of fostering unity and national service must be protected even as reforms are pursued.

His position follows the Federal Government’s announcement of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as the first major overhaul of the NYSC since it was established in 1973.

Among the proposed changes are the restructuring of the orientation camp into three phases, the introduction of 11 specialised career pathways for corps members, expansion of skills acquisition programmes, replacement of the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and the appointment of a civilian as Director-General instead of a military officer.

The reform proposals have continued to attract differing opinions, with some stakeholders praising them as necessary steps to modernise the scheme, while others fear they could undermine the programme’s founding vision.

Agbese acknowledged the need to improve the NYSC but maintained that any reforms must preserve its role in strengthening national cohesion and supporting development across the country.

According to him, the scheme has made significant contributions to education, healthcare, election duties, emergency response and community development, while also encouraging cultural exchange and national integration among young Nigerians.

The Benue lawmaker also questioned the proposal to appoint a civilian as Director-General, arguing that military leadership has helped instill discipline, patriotism and a sense of national responsibility in corps members.

He urged President Tinubu to constitute a broad-based review committee comprising security experts, members of the National Assembly, former NYSC officials, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders to thoroughly examine the proposed reforms before they are implemented.

The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon as part of post-civil war efforts to promote national reconciliation and unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin.

Over the past five decades, the programme has played a key role in supporting government initiatives in education, healthcare, elections and community development, while encouraging cultural integration among Nigerians.

The proposed reforms are regarded as the most far-reaching review of the scheme since its creation and have sparked fresh national discussions about the future of the NYSC.