The Federal Government’s proposed NYSC reform has sparked mixed reactions among prospective corps members and other Nigerians. While some welcomed the planned changes, others questioned parts of the proposal.
According to the Federal Government, the NYSC reform will boost skills acquisition. It will also improve career development. In addition, the reform will reposition the National Youth Service Corps to better meet national development needs. The government also plans to extend the orientation course from three weeks to six weeks.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, introduced the NYSC in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War. Since then, the scheme has promoted national unity and integration. It does this by sending graduates to states outside their places of origin.
Speaking with DAILY POST, prospective corps member Charles Owoicho described the NYSC reform as timely. He said Nigeria now faces economic hardship, rising unemployment and rapid technological change. He also noted that many graduates lack relevant digital skills.
Owoicho praised the plan to strengthen digital skills acquisition. He welcomed the proposal to extend the orientation programme to six weeks. He also supported the decision to deploy corps members according to their professional qualifications.
The prospective corps member explained that many graduates currently serve in schools even though they did not study Education or hold teaching qualifications. According to him, the practice denies many graduates valuable industry experience. He added that the proposed reforms would help solve the problem and improve graduates’ career prospects.
However, another prospective corps member, Blessing Nduka, disagreed with some aspects of the proposal. She opposed the plan to replace the current NYSC uniform with a domestic attire.
Nduka said the existing uniform has become a symbol of the scheme’s identity. She argued that poor policies and weak implementation—not the uniform—cause the programme’s challenges.
She urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the proposed uniform change. Instead, she asked the government to channel the resources into youth empowerment and job creation. She also called for a comprehensive post-service empowerment programme. According to Nduka, such an initiative would help graduates build sustainable careers after completing the scheme.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians said effective implementation would determine the success of the NYSC reform. They also urged the government to improve corps members’ welfare, strengthen camp facilities and create more employment opportunities for young graduates.
According to daily post,As the debate continues, many stakeholders believe the NYSC reform could modernise the scheme. Nevertheless, they urged the government to focus on practical reforms, improve welfare and address youth unemployment.
