The Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to implement major reform in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), aiming to strengthen the scheme, enhance its contribution to national development, and better meet the needs of Nigerian youths. According to a 9am News report, the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja with representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the NYSC’s historic role in fostering national unity and youth development since its establishment in 1973. However, he acknowledged growing concerns about corps members’ safety, poor facilities, and the relevance of the scheme in today’s fast-changing social and economic environment.
“The issues of corps members’ safety, infrastructural challenges, and the broader question of the scheme’s relevance are among the key concerns. But these challenges also present opportunities that require urgent, visionary, and determined action,” Olawande stated.
Olawande explained that the committee will review existing NYSC operations and recommend reform that make the scheme safer, more innovative, and impactful. The committee is also tasked with proposing updates to laws, policies, and operational models, as well as recommending better funding mechanisms, monitoring strategies, and evaluation frameworks. The final report will be submitted to the Minister of Youth Development within a set timeframe.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, also announced the government’s plan to introduce a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps. The Teachers’ Corps will deploy NCE graduates to underserved schools, helping bridge educational gaps and creating potential pathways to government employment. Meanwhile, the Medical Corps will deploy healthcare workers to rural communities, focusing on critical areas such as maternal and child health.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, emphasized the importance of strengthening technical and vocational skills training for Nigerian youths. She noted that aligning NYSC with vocational initiatives would empower young people to make meaningful, long-term contributions to their communities and the country.
The planned NYSC reforms are seen as part of the government’s broader national development strategy, positioning the scheme as a more effective tool for youth empowerment and nation-building. With safety improvements, enhanced training, and stronger integration into national priorities, the NYSC could regain its relevance and impact in today’s Nigeria.
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