The Federal Government has taken a major step toward restructuring the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by inaugurating a reform committee tasked with overhauling the scheme to meet the demands of modern-day Nigeria and better serve the nation’s youth.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja, brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, stressed the importance of reviewing the NYSC scheme to ensure it aligns with current national development goals.
Comrade Olawande acknowledged the NYSC’s historic role in fostering unity and youth development since its establishment in 1973, but noted that new realities, including corps members’ safety, infrastructure challenges, and questions about the scheme’s relevance, require urgent attention.
“There is an urgent need to reposition the NYSC to reflect contemporary challenges and opportunities,” he said. “The reform committee is charged with transforming the scheme into a more secure, innovative, and impactful institution that can better respond to the aspirations of young Nigerians.”
According to the minister, the committee will undertake a thorough review of the scheme’s operations and propose reforms that will strengthen its impact. The committee’s mandate includes examining policy documents and legal frameworks, holding stakeholder consultations nationwide, recommending updates to the NYSC Act, and suggesting new models for funding, monitoring, and evaluation.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who was also present at the event, proposed the introduction of two new voluntary service arms under the NYSC: a Teachers’ Corps for NCE-certified graduates and a Medical Corps for healthcare professionals. These corps members would serve in rural areas for two years, helping to address gaps in education and healthcare services.
Dr. Alausa said the proposed Teachers’ Corps would not only enhance learning in underserved communities but also provide a pathway to employment in the public sector. Similarly, the Medical Corps would improve access to critical healthcare services, particularly maternal and child health.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to realign technical and vocational education with academic training. She said this approach would better equip young people to make meaningful contributions to national development.
The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive reform report to the Ministry of Youth Development within the stipulated timeframe.