NYSC Members

The federal government has inaugurated a committee to review and reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, aiming to reposition it as a more effective tool for national development and youth empowerment.

The committee was officially inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday, with key stakeholders from government ministries, civil society, and the private sector in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the move was necessitated by growing concerns over the safety of corps members, decaying infrastructure, and questions surrounding the relevance of the NYSC in Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic context.

He noted that since its establishment in 1973, the NYSC had been instrumental in fostering unity and engaging young Nigerians in national service. However, he acknowledged that recent challenges demand urgent and innovative interventions.

“The issues of corps members’ safety, infrastructural challenges, and the scheme’s relevance in today’s dynamic environment must be addressed. These challenges offer an opportunity for visionary reforms,” Olawande stated.

The minister said the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of existing NYSC policies, engage stakeholders nationwide, and propose amendments to laws and operational guidelines. It will also explore more sustainable funding models and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the scheme’s effectiveness.

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the minister within a specified timeframe.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu—represented by Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa—announced plans by the Federal Government to introduce a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps to complement the NYSC.

According to Alausa, the Teachers’ Corps will engage National Certificate in Education (NCE) holders to fill gaps in the education sector, particularly in underserved communities, and provide a pathway to government employment.

Similarly, the Medical Corps will deploy healthcare professionals to rural areas to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially in critical areas like maternal and child health.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the importance of equipping youths with technical and vocational skills.

She said, “We must align youth development strategies with long-term national goals. Strengthening technical and vocational education is essential to ensuring that our young people contribute meaningfully to national progress.”

The proposed reforms come amid renewed calls for the NYSC scheme to evolve in response to current national priorities and the aspirations of Nigerian youths.