Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), insisting that the changes require broader stakeholder consultation before implementation.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
As a member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, he described the NYSC as a vital national institution whose founding objectives of unity and national service must be safeguarded even as reforms are considered.
His remarks follow the announcement by Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, of the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its creation in 1973.
Proposed changes include restructuring orientation camps into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career pathways, expanding skills acquisition programmes, replacing the khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and appointing a civilian Director-General instead of a military officer.
While some stakeholders have welcomed the reforms as necessary modernization, others fear they could undermine the scheme’s original vision.
Agbese acknowledged the need for improvements but stressed that reforms must preserve the NYSC’s role in fostering national cohesion and supporting development.
He also questioned the plan to appoint a civilian Director-General, arguing that military leadership has instilled discipline, patriotism, and responsibility among corps members.
Agbese urged President Tinubu to set up a broad-based review committee comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to thoroughly examine the proposals before they are adopted.
Established in 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC has for over five decades contributed to education, healthcare, elections, emergency response, and community development, while promoting cultural integration among Nigerians.
The proposed reforms, regarded as the most sweeping since its inception, have sparked nationwide debate about the future of the scheme.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com