Reps Member Urges Tinubu To Postpone NYSC Reforms

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the planned reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the proposals should undergo wider consultations before they are implemented.

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

The lawmaker, who serves on the House Committees on Youth and Defence, described the NYSC as an important national institution that has played a major role in promoting unity across the country. He said any changes to the scheme should protect its original purpose while improving its operations.

His comments followed the Federal Government’s announcement of a broad review of the NYSC, described by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as the first major reform of the scheme since it was established in 1973.

Among the proposed changes are restructuring the orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career paths for prospective corps members, expanding skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with clothing produced locally, and appointing a civilian instead of a military officer as the Director-General of the scheme.

The proposals have attracted different reactions across the country. While some people believe the reforms will modernise the NYSC, others have expressed concerns that they could affect the scheme’s original objectives.

Agbese said reforms are welcome but should not weaken the NYSC’s contribution to national unity and development. He noted that over the years, corps members have played valuable roles in education, healthcare, election duties, emergency response and community development across Nigeria.

He also raised concerns over the proposal to appoint a civilian as the Director-General of the scheme. According to him, the tradition of having military officers lead the NYSC has helped maintain discipline, patriotism and a sense of national service among corps members.

The lawmaker called on President Tinubu to set up a wider review committee made up of lawmakers, security experts, former NYSC officials, youth organisations and other stakeholders to carefully examine the proposed reforms before any final decision is taken.

The National Youth Service Corps was established on May 22, 1973, during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon to promote national reconciliation after the Nigerian Civil War. The scheme was designed to encourage graduates to serve in states outside their regions of origin and strengthen unity among Nigerians.

For more than 50 years, the NYSC has supported government programmes in education, healthcare, elections and community development while helping young Nigerians interact with people from different parts of the country.

The proposed reforms represent the most extensive review of the scheme since its creation and have reopened discussions about the future of the national service programme.