NYSC: Mixed reactions trail FG’s proposed reform

The recent proposed reforms for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, is attracting divergent views from prospective corps members.

DAILY POST reports that the Federal Government is proposing the extension of the orientation course for corps members from the original three weeks to six weeks.

According to the Federal Government, the reform is aimed at boosting skills acquisition, improving career development and repositioning the scheme to better meet national development needs. 

The NYSC, which was established by the former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, rtd, in 1973, has the primary aim of promoting national unity and integration after the Nigerian Civil War.

The core objective of the scheme was to address Nigeria’s greatest challenge at the time; national disunity and the secessionist tendencies that had emerged in certain parts of the country.

Speaking to DAILY POST, a prospective corps member, Charles Owoicho, said reforming the NYSC is a timely step towards relevance in a changing Nigeria.

Owoicho  said the current Nigeria grapples with harsh economic realities, rising unemployment, an educational system that no longer adequately meets the demands of the modern world, and widespread digital and technological illiteracy that continues to limit the relevance, competitiveness, and productivity of many young graduates in this era of digital transformation.

According to him, judging from the evolving realities, the reform of the NYSC is not only necessary but also long overdue.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for recognizing the need to reposition the scheme to meet contemporary national demands. 

“As a prospective corps member, I believe the idea behind reforming the scheme is both timely and commendable.

“Some aspects of the proposed reforms, such as digital skills acquisition for corps members, the extension of the orientation and training period, and the deployment of corps members to institutions and organizations based on their professional qualifications, are particularly laudable.

“At present, a significant number of corps members are posted to schools regardless of whether they studied Education or possess teaching qualifications.

“This has deprived many graduates of the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their respective fields or professions. 

“Consequently, many complete the NYSC programme without acquiring relevant industry experience, making them less competitive and, in many cases, unemployable within their chosen professions. If properly implemented, the proposed reforms will go a long way in addressing this long-standing anomaly,” he  said.

On her part, another prospective corps member, Blessing Nduka, said there are aspects of the proposed reforms that she is not entirely pleased with.

Nduka said the plan to replace the existing NYSC uniform with a domestic attire is unnecessary, stating that the current NYSC uniform has become a symbol of the scheme’s identity and is not the problem confronting the programme. 

According to her, the challenge lies not in the uniform but in the ideas, policies, and implementation strategies that drive the scheme.

“I respectfully urge President Tinubu to suspend the proposed change of the uniform and instead channel resources towards reforms that will have a more meaningful impact on corps members and the nation. 

“I believe the reform should go beyond training and deployment by incorporating a comprehensive post-service empowerment programme.

“There should be deliberate plans to support graduates at the end of their service year through business grants, entrepreneurship support, access to soft loans, or direct employment opportunities.

“This would spare many graduates from the prolonged struggle of searching endlessly for sustainable employment after completing the scheme. 

“The alarming rate of unemployment and economic hardship among Nigerian graduates has become a major national concern,” she said.

Also speaking, another prospective corps member,  Prince Ameh, said every year, thousands of graduates are added to an already saturated labour market with limited employment opportunities.

Ameh noted that a truly impactful NYSC reform should therefore include practical measures that prepare and empower corps members for economic independence after service.

He added that the proposed reform of the NYSC is a noble and forward-looking initiative that has the potential to transform the scheme and redefine its relevance in today’s Nigeria.

“If properly implemented, adequately funded, and effectively monitored, it will not only preserve the founding ideals of national unity but also equip Nigerian youths with the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to thrive in the twenty-first century,” he said.

DAILY POST further reports that some serving corps members welcomed the proposed reform, but requested that the uniform should remain unchanged. 

A serving corps member, Joseph Felix said the NYSC uniform is a vital tool in life of the NYSC members, which according to him is deepened with the paramilitary training in the orientation camp.

Felix said whenever the NYSC uniform is worn, the people always refer to the corps members as ‘Government Pikin’ (government’s child), stating that the gesture gives them opportunity to access any institution to either seek for assistance or demand for basic needs.

“It is not gainsaying that the uniform closed the gap of ethnicity, tribalism and religion bigotry.

“However, changing the uniform from military motivated to civil attire will not only change the modality but would open doors for unending questioning.

“These questions will include which civil attire will best represent the interest of the entire Nigerians, promote unity and maintain the spirit of orderliness in the NYSC members,” he said.