Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over NYSC Reforms Impact on National Security

A member of the House of Representatives, Chief Philip Agbese, has criticized the recent reforms approved by the Federal Government for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He warned that some of these changes could damage the scheme’s main goals and affect Nigeria’s national defense policy.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State and leads the Labour Party in the state, called on President Bola Tinubu to pause the implementation of the reforms. He urged the president to set up a larger committee to review the changes.

The lawmaker shared his thoughts in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. As a member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, Agbese said the NYSC is “a national institution that has played a critical role in fostering national unity which should not be restructured in a manner that compromises its founding ideals.”

His remarks followed the Federal Government's announcement of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called the first thorough review of the NYSC since it began in 1973. The suggested reforms involve splitting the orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialized career streams for corps members to choose from during registration, boosting skills acquisition programs, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally made clothes, and appointing a civilian to lead the scheme instead of a military officer, among other changes.

These reforms have sparked mixed reactions, with different opinions on whether the changes would help or hurt the scheme’s original purpose. Agbese noted that while modernization efforts are good, “They should not come at the expense of its national integration and security objectives.”

He stated, “Reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life.” He emphasized that beyond youth development, “The NYSC has over the years served as a strategic national institution, particularly during emergencies, by deploying corps members to support critical sectors, including education, healthcare and electoral services.”

The lawmaker also raised concerns about the plan to have civilian leadership for the scheme, arguing that the military background in the orientation program is crucial for discipline, patriotism, and national readiness. On this leadership change, Agbese warned that “Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained.”

He urged President Tinubu to set up a broader committee that includes security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups, and other important stakeholders to conduct a more detailed review before any reforms take place.

The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon as part of the post-Civil War reconciliation plan. Its goal was to promote national unity, rebuild trust among Nigeria’s different ethnic groups, and encourage a shared sense of nationhood.

For over fifty years, the scheme has sent graduates to states outside their own, promoting cultural exchange, national integration, and service in areas with workforce shortages. It has also been credited with enhancing inter-ethnic understanding, supporting community development projects, and aiding government efforts in health campaigns, elections, and emergency responses.

While different administrations have made policy changes to improve the scheme, the current proposals represent the most significant restructuring effort since the NYSC began. This makes the discussion about its future one of the most important in recent times.