The Federal Government has launched a major reform initiative to overhaul the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), aiming to strengthen its structure, relevance, and impact in line with contemporary national development priorities and the evolving needs of Nigerian youth.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Ministry of Youth Development headquarters in Abuja and was attended by key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the NYSC's historical importance in fostering national unity and youth development since its establishment in 1973. However, Olawande acknowledged the pressing need to modernize the Scheme to reflect current socio-economic realities and challenges.
He said the issue of safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and the broader question about the relevance of the scheme in an increasingly dynamic socio-economic landscape are some of the challenges faced. But he added that these also present opportunities that demand urgent, visionary, and determined action.
He outlined the Committee's clear mandate: to conduct a comprehensive review of the NYSC Scheme with the goal of transforming it into a more secure, innovative, and impactful institution.
The Committee is expected to critically assess the Scheme’s current operations and propose significant reforms to ensure its continued relevance to the aspirations of today’s youth. He emphasized that the review must align with broader national development goals.
The Committee was given a set of specific terms of reference, which include reviewing all existing policy documents, reports, and legal frameworks guiding NYSC operations; engaging with stakeholders nationwide through consultations and public forums; recommending legal, policy, and institutional reforms to the NYSC Act and its operational guidelines; proposing a framework for improved funding, monitoring, and evaluation; and submitting a comprehensive report to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development within an agreed timeframe.
Also present at the event was the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Tunji Alausa, who proposed the introduction of two specialized service corps: a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps. These corps would be open to NCE-certified graduates and healthcare professionals, especially those willing to serve in rural areas for an optional two-year period.
Dr. Alausa explained that the Teachers’ Corps would address educational disparities and serve as a potential pathway to government employment, while the Medical Corps would enhance healthcare delivery in underserved areas, tackling critical issues like maternal and child health.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, stressed the importance of restructuring technical and vocational skills training to complement academic development.
She noted that aligning skills development with education would empower Nigerian youths to make long-term, meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.
This sweeping reform initiative marks a pivotal moment for the NYSC, as the Federal Government seeks to reposition the Scheme as a dynamic and strategic vehicle for youth empowerment and nation-building.
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