By Charles Maduka
The Federal Government has launched a committee to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in response to growing concerns over the scheme’s relevance and safety.
Unveiling the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the NYSC remains a vital national tool for unity and youth development but requires serious adjustments to meet today’s challenges.
He said the reform team will examine issues like the safety of corps members, poor infrastructure, and whether the scheme still serves the country’s social and economic goals.
Olawande explained that the review will lead to proposals aimed at making the NYSC more creative, secure, and effective in empowering Nigerian youths.
He added, “This is an opportunity to reshape the NYSC into a more strategic instrument for youth engagement and national development.”
The committee will speak to people across the country, assess existing policies, suggest changes to the law, and recommend better funding and monitoring strategies. A report will be submitted to the minister within a set period.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, revealed plans to introduce a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps. These new arms will recruit NCE holders and health professionals to serve in rural communities.
Alausa said the Teachers’ Corps would help fix education gaps and offer a direct path to government jobs, while the Medical Corps would boost healthcare in hard-to-reach areas.
Presidential adviser Hadiza Usman emphasized the need for stronger vocational and technical training, saying this would help Nigerian youths contribute more meaningfully to their communities and the country at large.
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