Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the planned implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), insisting that the reforms require broader consultation before they take effect. The lawmaker made the appeal in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, arguing that the NYSC reform suspension would allow stakeholders to properly evaluate the long-term implications of the proposals.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the NYSC remains one of Nigeria’s most important national institutions and should be strengthened without compromising its founding objectives.
As a member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, he acknowledged the need for reforms but maintained that any major restructuring should emerge from extensive consultations involving critical stakeholders. His comments followed the Federal Government’s announcement of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande described as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.
The proposed reforms include: restructuring orientation camps into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career streams for corps members, xpanding skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced attire, appointing a civilian as Director-General instead of a military officer
The proposals have attracted mixed reactions nationwide, with some stakeholders describing them as necessary modernisation measures, while others fear they could alter the original mission of the scheme. Agbese argued that while reforms are important, they should not weaken the NYSC’s contribution to national integration, youth development and nation-building. He said the NYSC reform suspension would provide sufficient time to build consensus around the proposed changes.
The lawmaker also expressed reservations about replacing the traditional military leadership structure with a civilian Director-General. According to him, military leadership has helped sustain discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among corps members over the years.
He therefore urged President Tinubu to establish a broader review committee comprising lawmakers, security experts, youth organisations, former NYSC officials and other relevant stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive assessment before implementing any reforms.
Established on May 22, 1973, under the administration of Yakubu Gowon, the National Youth Service Corps was created to promote national unity and reconciliation following the Nigerian Civil War. For more than five decades, the scheme has contributed significantly to education, healthcare, elections, community development and cultural integration across Nigeria.
Agbese maintained that preserving these achievements should remain a priority as discussions continue over the future of the programme. He said adopting a NYSC reform suspension would enable government and stakeholders to reach decisions that strengthen, rather than diminish, the institution’s long-standing national role.
