‘Don’t Turn It Into Skills Acquisition Scheme’— Lawmaker Demands Halt To NYSC Reforms

A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has asked the federal government to suspend the implementation of the proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved seven major reforms for the one-year national service programme, including digitalisation, a change in the leadership structure from military to civilians, a redesigned uniform, and skills‑based training.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Agbese said some of the proposed changes could undermine the scheme’s founding objectives and weaken its strategic role in national security.

The deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency in Benue state, said the NYSC has played a significant role in fostering national unity and should not be restructured in a manner that compromises its founding ideals.

The Labour Party (LP) lawmaker said while efforts to reform the scheme were commendable, they shouldn’t be carried out at the expense of national integration.

“Reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life,” he said.

“The NYSC has over the years served as a strategic national institution, particularly during emergencies, by deploying corps members to support critical sectors, including education, healthcare and electoral services.”

Agbese faulted the plan to place the scheme under civilian leadership, noting that military tradition ingrained in the orientation programme contributes to discipline, patriotism and national preparedness.

“Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained,” he said.

The legislator asked President Bola Tinubu to establish an “expanded committee” comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other critical stakeholders to “undertake a more extensive review before any reforms are implemented”.

The minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, had said the reforms are the first major review of the NYSC since its creation in 1973, noting that they were developed through consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The minister added that the reforms are intended to strengthen national unity, boost skills development, create jobs and empower youth across the country.