By Paul Joseph
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese in Sunday, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the proposed reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that some of the planned changes could weaken the scheme’s founding objectives and its contribution to national security.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, called for the establishment of a broader review committee made up of lawmakers, security experts, former NYSC officials, youth organisations and other stakeholders to thoroughly examine the proposed reforms before implementation.
According to him, while modernising the NYSC is necessary, any restructuring must preserve its primary mission of promoting national unity and integration.
The proposed reforms include splitting the orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career streams for prospective corps members during registration, expanding skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and appointing a civilian to head the scheme instead of a military officer.
The proposals have generated mixed reactions, with supporters arguing they would modernise the scheme, while critics fear they could dilute its original mandate.
Agbese maintained that transforming the NYSC into what he described as mainly a skills acquisition programme would undermine its broader national role.
He noted that beyond youth development, the scheme has consistently supported critical national assignments, including education, healthcare delivery and election-related services, especially during emergencies.
The lawmaker also opposed the proposal to replace military leadership with a civilian, arguing that the military tradition within the orientation programme has helped instil discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among corps members.
He appealed to President Tinubu to halt the implementation of the reforms until a more comprehensive review involving all relevant stakeholders is completed.
Established on May 22, 1973, by the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC was created as part of Nigeria’s post-Civil War reconciliation efforts to foster national unity, rebuild trust among the country’s diverse ethnic groups and promote integration through compulsory national service.
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