The Federal Government has launched a new initiative aimed at revamping the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a program that has been a key part of Nigeria’s post-graduation process for over 50 years.
The move follows growing calls for reform, particularly around corps members’ safety, infrastructure at orientation camps, and the relevance of the scheme in today’s world.
On Tuesday in Abuja, a committee was officially inaugurated to oversee the review and restructuring of the NYSC. The gathering brought together officials from various arms of government, as well as private and civil society stakeholders.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who led the event, noted the historical importance of the NYSC since its creation in 1973, especially its role in uniting diverse communities and giving young people a platform to contribute to national development.
According to Olawande, the government’s focus is not just on fixing problems but also on reshaping the program to better serve the country and its youths.
“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.”
The newly formed committee has been tasked with conducting a nationwide review. It will engage with current and former corps members, community leaders, and experts in various fields. Its job is to recommend changes that could affect NYSC operations, funding, and legal structure. The aim is to make the program safer, more efficient, and more useful to national goals. The committee’s final report will be submitted within a set timeframe.
In addition to NYSC reforms, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced that the government plans to introduce two new service arms: a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps. These will target NCE holders and healthcare professionals, particularly those willing to work in underserved 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.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, stressed the need to improve technical and vocational skills training.
“Such alignment would empower young people to make meaningful, long-term contributions to their communities and to the nation as a whole,” Usman said.
