Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has urged the federal government to suspend the implementation of the proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that some of the changes could weaken the scheme’s core mandate.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved seven major reforms to the one-year national service programme. The proposals include digitalisation, replacing military leadership with civilian administrators, introducing a redesigned uniform and expanding skills-based training.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the reforms should not undermine the NYSC’s founding objectives or its contribution to national security.
He argued that the scheme has remained a vital institution for promoting national unity and should not be restructured in a way that compromises its original purpose.
While acknowledging the need to improve the programme, the Labour Party lawmaker said reforms should not come at the expense of national integration.
“Reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life,” Agbese said.
He noted that the NYSC has consistently supported critical national assignments by deploying corps members to sectors such as education, healthcare and election management during emergencies.
Agbese also opposed the proposal to place the scheme under civilian leadership, arguing that the military tradition embedded in the orientation camp helps instil discipline, patriotism and a sense of national service.
“Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained,” he said.
The lawmaker called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an expanded committee made up of security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth organisations and other stakeholders to carry out a broader review before the reforms are implemented.
Meanwhile, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, has said the approved reforms represent the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973 and were developed following consultations with relevant stakeholders.
