ABUJA — A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has expressed strong reservations regarding the Federal Government’s recently approved reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that the proposed changes could dilute the scheme’s core mandate and jeopardize Nigeria’s national defence framework.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, took a firm stance on Sunday, calling on President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the implementation of the reforms. He advocated for the constitution of a broader, more inclusive committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the proposals before any further action is taken.
The lawmaker’s intervention comes just days after the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, unveiled what the ministry termed the first comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC since its inception in 1973.
Among the government’s proposed changes are the restructuring of the orientation camp into three distinct phases and the introduction of 11 specialized career streams for prospective corps members. The reforms also aim to place a heavier emphasis on skills acquisition, mandate the replacement of the iconic khaki uniform with locally manufactured attire, and shift the leadership of the scheme from a military officer to a civilian appointee.
However, Agbese, who also leads the Labour Party in Benue State, cautioned that these changes appear to overlook the strategic importance of the NYSC. He argued that the scheme serves as a vital national institution that extends well beyond mere youth development.
“Beyond its role in youth development, the NYSC has over the years served as a strategic national institution,” Agbese noted in his statement.
He emphasized that the corps has been instrumental during national emergencies, providing essential manpower to support critical sectors, including education, healthcare, and electoral services. By altering the fundamental structure of the scheme—particularly its military-led governance—the lawmaker expressed fears that the government risks undermining the discipline and operational efficiency that have historically defined the NYSC.
As the debate over the future of the 53-year-old institution gains momentum, the call for a pause in the reform process highlights growing anxiety among lawmakers regarding the potential long-term impact on national cohesion and institutional stability.
