Tinubu Defends NYSC Reforms, Says Corps Members Need Practical Skills

President Bola Tinubu has defended the Federal Government’s National Youth Service Corps reforms, saying the changes are meant to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and prepare them for national development.

Vanguard, Punch and Daily Post reported that Tinubu explained the reforms in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, after the Federal Executive Council approved the changes on Monday.

The President described the reforms as the most significant changes to the scheme since it was established in 1973. He said they partly fulfil his promise to create meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to the reports, the NYSC orientation programme will now run for six weeks and include civic responsibility, leadership, values, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and specialised training linked to corps members’ academic backgrounds and career plans.

Vanguard reported that the specialised training streams will cover agriculture, education, health, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise, the creative industry and para-military and security services.

Tinubu also said deployment to security-challenged states will be guided by risk assessment and will prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions in affected states and neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zones.

The President said the scheme will be led by a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, including a military or paramilitary officer responsible for security services.

NaijaTrend earlier reported the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the NYSC reform plan here. The latest reports add Tinubu’s explanation of why the reforms were approved and how the government wants the scheme to work.

Sources: Vanguard, Punch, Daily Post