Agbese Urges Tinubu to Delay NYSC Reform Plans Pending Wider Consultation

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the planned changes require more stakeholder engagement.

Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, made the call in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

A member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, the lawmaker described the NYSC as a critical national institution that has continued to advance unity and development across Nigeria.

His reaction followed the unveiling of proposed reforms by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described the initiative as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.

The proposed reforms include dividing orientation camp activities into three stages, creating 11 specialised career tracks for corps members, enhancing skills acquisition programmes, replacing the khaki uniform with locally manufactured attire and appointing a civilian as the Director-General of the scheme.

The proposals have triggered varying reactions among stakeholders, with supporters describing them as necessary modernisation efforts, while critics worry about their effect on the original purpose of the scheme.

Agbese agreed that reforms are important but maintained that they should not undermine the NYSC’s core mandate of promoting national integration and supporting national development.

He noted that the scheme has contributed significantly to sectors such as healthcare, education, elections and emergency services while strengthening unity among Nigerian youths.

The lawmaker also expressed reservations about replacing military leadership with a civilian Director-General, saying the military structure has helped sustain discipline, patriotism and national consciousness among corps members.

He therefore urged President Tinubu to constitute a broader review panel made up of lawmakers, security experts, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other stakeholders to conduct a detailed assessment of the proposed reforms before they are implemented.

Created on May 22, 1973, under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC was introduced after the Nigerian Civil War to promote reconciliation and national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their ethnic and regional backgrounds.

Over the years, the scheme has supported government programmes in education, healthcare, elections and community development while encouraging cultural exchange and integration.

The proposed changes mark the most significant review of the NYSC in over five decades and have revived discussions about the future direction of the national service programme.

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