Nigerian lawmaker urges Tinubu to halt NYSC reforms

A senior Nigerian lawmaker has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of newly proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, arguing the changes require broader consultation to protect the program's founding principles. Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, issued the appeal in a statement from Abuja on Sunday, July 5.

The call follows the federal government's recent announcement of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973. The proposed reforms include restructuring the orientation camp into three phases, creating 11 specialized career pathways for participants, expanding skills acquisition programs, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced attire, and appointing a civilian as the scheme's Director-General instead of a military officer.

Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State and serves on House committees for Youth and Defence, acknowledged the need to modernize the program. He warned, however, that the reforms must not undermine its core objectives of...