The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a comprehensive report on proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a special committee tasked with reviewing and strengthening the scheme.
The report was officially handed over to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, in Abuja on Wednesday, by the committee’s chairman, Oyekunle Oyekanmi.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim expressed the government’s commitment to thoroughly examine the recommendations made by the committee for possible implementation.
She conveyed her optimism that the reforms proposed would enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC, enabling it to better confront the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.
The minister reaffirmed the crucial role the NYSC has played in Nigeria since its inception, serving as a cornerstone for promoting national unity, fostering development, and empowering young people across the country.
“Like any reputable institution, the NYSC must adapt and evolve to effectively tackle the constantly changing challenges and opportunities in society,” Bio-Ibrahim said. She highlighted that the Ministry of Youth Development, as the supervisory body for the NYSC, would carefully review the committee’s report to ensure that its recommendations align with the ministry’s goals and vision for the future of the scheme.
The minister praised the dedication and hard work of the committee members, led by Chairman Oyekanle Oyekanmi, noting that the task assigned to them in July was a formidable one.
Despite the challenges, she said, the committee had shown unwavering commitment to the mandate, and the report they submitted reflected their collective vision for the NYSC’s future.
During the ceremony, Dr. Bio-Ibrahim emphasized that the submission of the draft report marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to reform the NYSC.
She expressed confidence that the document would serve as a blueprint for enhancing the scheme’s ability to meet modern challenges while remaining relevant and impactful for future generations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olasanya, was represented at the event by Prince Momoh Olugbenga, Director for Enterprise Development and Promotion.
In his remarks, Prince Olugbenga praised the committee’s diligence and professionalism.
He noted that the extensive consultations and thorough analysis carried out by the committee were clear evidence of their thoughtful and inclusive approach.
He also pointed out that the report would serve as a roadmap for making the NYSC more responsive, resilient, and effective in the years to come.
Prince Olugbenga added, “The task ahead of us, as the Ministry and stakeholders of the NYSC, is now to take these recommendations and turn them into actionable reforms. We will engage all necessary channels to ensure that the proposals you have outlined are implemented in a manner that ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the NYSC.”
In his presentation, Oyekunle Oyekanmi, Chairman of the NYSC Reform Committee, recalled that the committee was inaugurated on July 26, 2024, by the Minister of Youth Development.
The committee was given the responsibility of assessing the NYSC and recommending ways to make the scheme more self-sufficient and sustainable, ensuring that it can compete with other global youth organizations.
Oyekanmi revealed that the committee had produced a 31-page report aimed at transforming the NYSC into a self-sufficient and profitable platform.
The proposed reforms focus on improving training and development opportunities for corps members and positioning the NYSC to play a greater role in youth empowerment and national development.
He assured that the recommendations would help make the NYSC more adaptable to modern realities, enhance the quality of the service year experience, and ensure the program remains a vital institution for fostering unity and national progress.
