Lawmaker warns planned changes could weaken national unity, discipline and the scheme’s security role.
A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that the changes could undermine the scheme’s original mandate.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said while the NYSC requires modernisation, any restructuring must preserve its core objectives of promoting national unity, integration and national security.
According to the lawmaker, the NYSC has remained a vital national institution since its establishment, contributing not only to youth development but also to education, healthcare delivery, election duties and emergency response across the country.
He also opposed proposals to place the scheme under civilian leadership, arguing that its military-style orientation programme has played a crucial role in instilling discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among corps members.
Agbese urged the Federal Government to carefully review the proposed reforms to ensure they strengthen, rather than weaken, the NYSC’s longstanding role in fostering national cohesion and supporting Nigeria’s defence objectives.