Deputy spokesperson of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, urges President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Speaking through statements from Abuja and reported by multiple outlets, Agbese argues that changes affecting a strategic national institution require broader consultation with relevant stakeholders before implementation. The lawmakers’ position is echoed by youth groups and commentators who say the reforms could risk undermining the NYSC’s founding objectives, including national unity, discipline, and public service.
The calls come after the Federal Executive Council and the Ministry of Youth Development announced the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its creation in 1973. Reported proposals include restructuring orientation camps into multiple phases, introducing specialised career pathways, expanding skills acquisition programmes, replacing the khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and changing leadership by appointing a civilian Director-General instead of a military officer.
Agbese and other critics acknowledge the need for improvements, but they argue the reforms should protect the scheme’s original role. Agbese also calls for a broad-based review process involving security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to examine the proposals.
