Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the planned changes require broader consultation.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the proposed changes should undergo wider consultations before being introduced.
In a statement yesterday, the lawmaker said the NYSC remains an important national institution that has played a major role in promoting unity and national development since its establishment in 1973.
While he acknowledged the need for reforms, he stressed that changes should not weaken the scheme’s core purpose of fostering national integration among young Nigerians
Some of the proposed reforms include appointing a civilian director-general instead of a military officer, restructuring the orientation camp into three phases, creating 11 specialised career streams for corps members, and strengthening skills acquisition programmes, among others.
Agbese particularly expressed concern over the proposed civilian director-general, arguing that military leadership has helped maintain discipline, patriotism, and a sense of national service among corps members over the years.
However, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, yesterday said the development would enhance the federal government’s $1trillion economy pursuit.
Describing the initiative as a bold move to reposition the scheme as a skills-driven platform for youth empowerment and national development, the former Osun State lawmaker said the reform aligns with the government’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by strengthening the capacity of young Nigerian graduates and equipping them with skills relevant to the modern labour market.
Noting that the newly introduced service streams were designed to provide graduates with practical skills tailored to their academic backgrounds, he explained that it would serve as a pathway for career development and promote effective productivity.