A committee has been established by the federal government to implement significant reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The objective is to strengthen the program, make it more beneficial to the development of the country, and better meet the requirements of young Nigerians.
This decision followed mounting worries over the safety of corps members, substandard facilities, and whether the NYSC still fits into today’s social and economic reality. Key figures from the government, commercial sector, and civil society attended the committee’s launch on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, spoke at the ceremony and stated that since 1973, the NYSC has been instrumental in fostering national unity and assisting youth.
He said, “The issues of corps members’ safety, infrastructural challenges, and the broader question of the scheme’s relevance in an increasingly dynamic socio-economic environment are among the key concerns. However, these challenges also present opportunities that require urgent, visionary, and determined action.”
According to Olawande, the committee would examine NYSC’s operations and give recommendations for how to make it safer, more innovative, and more effective.
The group will examine current NYSC rules, consult with individuals nationwide, and recommend modifications to legislation, regulations, and the operation of the program.
Additionally, it will develop more effective methods for funding, monitoring, and enhancing the NYSC.
Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, also announced at the occasion that the government intended to establish a Medical Corps and a Teachers’ Corps.
These will be for NCE graduates and healthcare workers ready to serve in rural areas.
“The Teachers’ Corps would help bridge educational gaps and create a pathway to government employment, while the Medical Corps would strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved areas, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child health,” Alausa added.
Hadiza Usman, the President’s Special Advisor on Policy and Coordination, emphasised the importance of enhancing training in technical and vocational skills.
