NYSC reforms ‘ll undermine national defence policy – Lawmaker

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

Member of the House of Representatives, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese, has said recent reforms to the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC), approved by the Federal Government, could erode the objectives of the scheme and undermine the country’s defence policy. 

Consequently, Agbese, in a statement, on Sunday, called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend implementation of the reforms and constitute a broader committee to  further review the proposed changes.

He noted that NYSC, which was established in the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war, has played a critical role in fostering national unity and should not be restructured in a manner that compromises its founding ideals.

The Federal Government had, last week, approved reforms to the NYSC. The proposed reforms places emphasis on skill acquisition programs, appointing a civilian to head the scheme, among others.

Nonetheless, Agbese stated that  while efforts to modernise the scheme were in order,  they should not be to the detriment of national integration and security objectives of the program.

According to him,  beyond its role in youth development, the NYSC has over the years served as a strategic national institution, particularly during emergencies. He added that  corps members are usually deployed to support critical sectors, including education, healthcare and electoral services.

The lawmaker, while noting that “reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life,” expressed reservations over the proposal to place the scheme under civilian leadership,

He maintained that the military tradition embedded in the orientation programme contributes significantly to discipline, patriotism and national preparedness, noting that “instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained.”