Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set for a significant overhaul, as a reform committee has submitted a detailed 32-page report proposing strategies to make the scheme self-sufficient and more impactful. The committee, chaired by Mr. Oyekunle Oyekanmi, presented the report to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, during a ceremony at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja.
The report, which outlines key recommendations for strengthening the NYSC, is part of ongoing efforts to reform the 51-year-old scheme. The committee was constituted by the Minister in July 2024 with the mandate to assess the current state of the NYSC and propose reforms that will ensure its sustainability, relevance, and self-sufficiency in the years ahead.
In her remarks, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim acknowledged the pivotal role that the NYSC has played in promoting national unity, youth empowerment, and development since its inception in 1973. She emphasized that the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by Nigeria necessitate reforms that will ensure the scheme’s continued relevance and impact.
"The NYSC has always been at the forefront of fostering national integration and youth development, but as with any institution, it must adapt to the changing dynamics of society," Dr. Ibrahim said. "The reforms we are embarking on will position the NYSC to meet contemporary challenges while seizing new opportunities for growth."
The Minister commended the committee for its hard work and dedication, noting that the submission of the report marks a significant step toward reshaping the NYSC to better serve Nigeria's youth and the nation at large. She described the report as a visionary document that will serve as the foundation for actionable reforms.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olasanya, represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga, Director for Enterprise Development and Promotion, praised the committee’s diligence. He noted that the thorough consultations, analyses, and recommendations contained in the report reflect a thoughtful and inclusive process. "This report will serve as a roadmap for making the NYSC more responsive, resilient, and impactful in the coming years," he stated.
In presenting the report, Mr. Oyekunle Oyekanmi, Chairman of the NYSC Reform Committee, recalled the committee’s inauguration on July 26, 2024, and outlined the key focus areas of the reform recommendations. According to Oyekanmi, the report aims to make the NYSC a self-sustaining institution, capable of competing with global youth organizations, while also generating income to support its operations.
“Our 32-page document outlines strategies to make the NYSC self-sufficient and profitable,” Oyekanmi said. “The focus is on enhancing the training of corps members, equipping them with skills that will prepare them for post-service opportunities, while also exploring avenues for revenue generation.”
The committee's recommendations include the introduction of entrepreneurial programs for corps members, expansion of the NYSC’s existing ventures, and partnerships with the private sector to drive profitability. Other proposals focus on creating more robust training modules that will better prepare corps members for the workforce, thereby enhancing their employability and economic contributions.
As the Ministry of Youth Development now prepares to review and implement the proposals, Dr. Ibrahim assured that the government is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the recommendations are actionable. "We will engage all stakeholders to ensure that the proposals are implemented in a way that ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the NYSC," the Minister said.
The submission of this report is seen as a major step in ensuring the NYSC adapts to modern demands, becoming not only a tool for national service but also a platform for youth empowerment and economic growth.