Lawmaker warns that NYSC changes could affect national security

A member of the House of Representatives, Chief Philip Agbese, has criticized the recent changes approved by the Federal Government for the National Youth Service Corps. He warned that these changes could weaken the scheme’s main goals and affect Nigeria’s national security 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 stop the implementation of the reforms. He suggested setting up a larger committee to review these changes.

The lawmaker made this statement on Sunday in Abuja. Agbese, a member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, called the NYSC "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 comments follow the Federal Government's announcement of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called the first detailed review of the NYSC since its start in 1973. The proposed reforms suggest breaking the orientation camp into three phases. They also include providing 11 specialized career options for prospective corps members to choose from during registration, enhancing skills training programs, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally made clothing, and appointing a civilian to lead the scheme instead of a military officer.

These changes have caused mixed reactions, with different stakeholders sharing their views on whether the reforms will strengthen or weaken the NYSC’s original purpose. Agbese responded by saying that while updating the scheme is 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. He insisted that the military influence in the orientation program is very important for discipline, patriotism, and national readiness. Agbese warned that "Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained."

He urged President Tinubu to create a larger committee made up of security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth organizations, and other important stakeholders to carry out a more thorough review before any reforms take place.

The NYSC was set up on May 22, 1973, by General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime as part of the post-Civil War reconciliation plan. This was aimed at promoting national unity, rebuilding trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, and encouraging a common sense of nationhood.

For over fifty years, the scheme has sent graduates to states outside their own. This helps with cultural exchange, national integration, and filling gaps in areas like education and healthcare. It has also been credited with improving understanding among ethnic groups, boosting community development, and supporting government efforts in health campaigns, elections, and emergency responses.

While past governments have made policy changes to enhance the scheme, the current proposals mark the most significant restructuring effort since the NYSC began, making the discussion about its future one of the most important in recent times.