President Tinubu has defended NYSC overhaul and stated that Nigeria needs a new approach.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has explained why his administration approved the recent reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and better prepare them for national development.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, are part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.
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According to Tinubu, the overhaul of the NYSC scheme fulfils a promise he made during his inauguration to place young people and women at the centre of his administration’s development agenda.
“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973.
“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that while the NYSC has contributed to promoting national unity for more than five decades, evolving national realities require a modernised approach to youth development.
“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved. But the Nigeria of today demands more,” he added.
The Federal Government on Monday approved wide-ranging reforms to the NYSC, including a technology-driven call-up process, a risk-sensitive deployment system, enhanced orientation camp programmes focused on entrepreneurship and digital skills, skills-based primary assignments, improved camp standards, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional passing-out parade.
The reforms are expected to modernise the scheme, improve corps members’ welfare, and align the programme with Nigeria’s current development priorities.
