President Tinubu told to suspend NYSC reforms

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, said the proposed changes should undergo wider consultations before being introduced. He made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

According to the lawmaker, the NYSC remains an important national institution that has played a major role in promoting unity and national development since it was established in 1973. While he acknowledged the need for reforms, he stressed that any changes should not weaken the scheme’s core purpose of fostering national integration among young Nigerians.

The Federal Government recently unveiled what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as the first major review of the NYSC since its creation more than five decades ago.

Some of the proposed reforms include restructuring the orientation camp into three phases, creating 11 specialised career streams for corps members, strengthening skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and appointing a civilian as Director-General of the scheme instead of a military officer.

The proposals have sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some stakeholders believe the reforms will modernise the scheme and improve opportunities for young people, others fear they could affect the original objectives of the programme.

Agbese particularly expressed concern over the proposal to appoint a civilian as NYSC Director-General. He argued that military leadership has helped maintain discipline, patriotism, and a sense of national service among corps members over the years.

The lawmaker urged President Tinubu to set up a broader review committee made up of security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups, and other stakeholders to carefully examine the proposed reforms before they are implemented.

The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the administration of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon to promote national unity and reconciliation after the Nigerian Civil War. Since then, the scheme has contributed to education, healthcare, elections, community development, and cultural integration across the country.

The proposed reforms are regarded as the most extensive review of the NYSC since its establishment and have renewed discussions about the future of the national service programme in Nigeria.