Youth Advocacy Group Opposes Proposed Reforms to NYSC Structure

A youth advocacy group, the Coalition for National Unity and Youth Development, has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to pause the implementation of proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The group contends that the planned changes threaten the fundamental identity and core mission of the decades-old institution.

In a statement released on Sunday, the coalition expressed concern that shifting the focus of the NYSC toward a skills-acquisition-centric model would undermine its primary purpose: fostering national unity, discipline, and civic service among young Nigerians. The group emphasized that while vocational training is valuable, the scheme’s unique strength lies in its ability to integrate youth from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds.

The coalition highlighted the importance of the program’s military-influenced orientation, noting that other nations maintain similar structures to instill discipline and a sense of responsibility in their citizens. Furthermore, the group pointed to the essential role corps members have historically played during national emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and general elections, as evidence that the NYSC is a vital national asset rather than merely a development program.

To address these concerns, the coalition is calling for an expanded consultative committee including former NYSC directors, security experts, and labor union representatives to review the proposals before any legislative action is taken. They are specifically urging the National Assembly to conduct extensive public hearings, ensuring that any modifications to the NYSC Act reflect the input of stakeholders who have shaped and benefited from the program since its inception in 1973.

The Federal Executive Council recently approved a comprehensive overhaul of the scheme, which includes transitioning to civilian leadership, adopting a technology-driven call-up process, and redesigning the orientation and deployment frameworks to better align with the government’s current economic agenda.