NYSC Reforms Set to Strengthen Youth Service Scheme, Says Minister

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, has announced that proposed reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) aim to enhance the scheme’s capacity to address evolving challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring its continued relevance and impact for years to come.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim made this declaration during the submission of the NYSC Reform Committee’s report at her office, emphasizing the crucial role the NYSC has played in promoting national unity, fostering development, and empowering youth since its inception.

She noted that, like any reputable institution, the NYSC must adapt and evolve to effectively respond to the ever-changing societal landscape.

Expressing her gratitude to the Committee members, chaired by Mr Oyekunle Oyekanmi, for their dedication and hard work over the past months, Dr Bio-Ibrahim acknowledged the complexity of the mandate they received in July and praised their unwavering commitment to the task.

“This occasion stands at a significant juncture as I receive the draft report that embodies our vision for the future of the National Youth Service Corps,” she stated.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary Olubunmi Olasanya, represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga, the Director for Enterprise Development and Promotion, commended the Committee for their diligence and professionalism.

He highlighted the extensive consultations, analyses, and recommendations included in the report, which he described as evidence of a thoughtful and inclusive process.

Olasanya noted that the report would serve as a roadmap for making the NYSC more responsive, resilient, and impactful in the years ahead.

“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,” he stated.

“We will engage all necessary channels to ensure that the proposals outlined are implemented sustainably and effectively,” he added.

In his presentation, Committee Chairman Mr. Oyekunle Oyekanmi reminded attendees that the Minister constituted and inaugurated the NYSC Reform Committee on July 26, 2024.

He detailed the Committee’s responsibility to appraise the scheme and recommend measures to make the NYSC self-sufficient and competitive with other youth organizations globally.

Oyekanmi announced that the Reform Committee has produced a comprehensive 31-page document aimed at improving the NYSC scheme.

The recommendations focus on enhancing training for corps members and making the NYSC self-sufficient and profitable.

As the Ministry moves forward, the emphasis will be on implementing these reforms to ensure the NYSC remains a vital platform for youth engagement and national development.