As reactions dey trail the recent reform of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), one chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, don talk say the development go enhance Federal Government $1trillion economy.
Oyintiloye, wey be former lawmaker wey represent Obokun State Constituency for Osun State House of Assembly, explain say the reform align with Federal Government vision of building $1 trillion economy by strengthening capacity of young Nigerian graduates and equipping them with skills wey relevant to modern labour market.
He note say the newly introduced service streams na to provide graduates with practical skills wey dey tailored to their academic backgrounds. According to am, the reform go strengthen human capital development by equipping graduates with marketable skills to boost productivity, create employment opportunities, and support economic growth.
“The policy marks a strategic shift from the traditional service model to one wey dey emphasise skills acquisition, innovation and sector-specific development. Under the reforms, corps members go required to select a specialised service stream after registration,” Oyintiloye hint.
He add say the streams include Agriculture Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps. Participants go receive specialised training during orientation programme, wey go equip them with practical knowledge and competencies wey relevant to their careers and national service.
But Deputy Spokesperson of House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, don urge President Bola Tinubu to suspend implementation of the proposed reforms. Agbese, wey represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, make the appeal for statement on Sunday for Abuja.
Agbese wey be member of House Committees on Youth and Defence, describe NYSC as strategic national institution wey founding objectives suppose preserve while reforms dey considered. He talk say the proposed reforms include restructuring orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career streams, strengthening skills acquisition programmes, replacing traditional khaki uniform with locally made attire, and appointing civilian as Director-General instead of military officer.
The proposals don generate mixed reactions, with some stakeholders welcoming changes as step towards modernising scheme, while others express concerns about potential impact on original objectives. Agbese say reforms necessary but argue say dem no suppose diminish NYSC role in promoting national integration and supporting national development.
According to am, the scheme don contribute to key sectors including education, healthcare, elections and emergency response, plus fostering unity among young Nigerians. He also express reservations about proposal to appoint civilian as Director-General, stating say military leadership tradition don contribute to discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among corps members.
Agbese call on President Tinubu to establish broader review committee wey go include security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other stakeholders to conduct comprehensive assessment of proposed reforms before implementation.
NYSC wey establish on May 22, 1973 under administration of General Yakubu Gowon, na to promote national unity and reconciliation after Nigerian Civil War by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin. For more than five decades, scheme don support government programmes for education, healthcare, elections and community development while promoting cultural integration among Nigerians.
