President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why his administration approved major 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.
The President made this known in a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved what he described as the most significant reforms to the scheme since its establishment in 1973.
According to Tinubu, the reforms are part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and ensuring they play a greater role in Nigeria’s growth and development.
He noted that while the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity for more than five decades, Nigeria’s changing realities require a renewed focus on skills acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity.
Speaking on the reforms, Tinubu said:
“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.
“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. Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed; they are the engine.”
The Federal Government said the reforms are expected to strengthen the NYSC by preparing corps members with practical skills for national development while expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Reactions
@NaijaVoice: “If these reforms truly focus on skills and employment, it could be one of the best changes to NYSC in years.”
@AminaWrites: “The real test will be implementation. We’ve heard promises before.”
@TechGuyNG: “Teach digital skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational training. That’s what today’s graduates need.”
@KennyOfficial: “National unity is important, but corps members also deserve programmes that improve their chances after service.”
@CitizenAda: “Hopefully, these reforms won’t just remain on paper.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
