FG Launches Committee to Revamp NYSC Scheme for Modern Challenges

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward reforming the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by inaugurating a committee tasked with a comprehensive review of the scheme.

The move aims to enhance the NYSC’s structure, relevance, and impact, ensuring it aligns with national development goals and the changing needs of Nigerian youth. 

The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector.

During his address, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the NYSC’s historic role in promoting national unity and youth development since its establishment in 1973.

However, he stressed the need for modernization to address current challenges. 

“Issues such as corps members’ safety, infrastructural gaps, and the scheme’s relevance in today’s fast-evolving socio-economic landscape demand urgent and visionary action,” Olawande stated.

He explained that the committee’s mandate includes a thorough assessment of the NYSC’s operations to propose reforms that make it more secure, innovative, and impactful for young Nigerians. 

The committee’s key tasks include reviewing existing NYSC policies and legal frameworks, consulting stakeholders nationwide, recommending legal and operational reforms, and proposing improved funding and evaluation mechanisms.

A final report is expected to be submitted to the Minister within a stipulated timeframe. 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, suggested the creation of specialized corps, such as a Teachers’ Corps for NCE graduates and a Medical Corps for healthcare professionals willing to serve in rural areas for two years.

These initiatives aim to address critical gaps in education and healthcare while offering pathways to government employment. 

Additionally, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, emphasized the need to restructure vocational and technical training to better align with students’ academic growth. She noted that such reforms would empower youth to contribute meaningfully to national development. 

This overhaul signifies the government’s commitment to revitalizing the NYSC as a key driver of youth empowerment and nation-building.