A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has commended the Federal Government’s comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing it as a bold initiative to reposition the scheme as a skills-driven platform for youth empowerment and national development.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye said the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by strengthening the capacity of young Nigerian graduates and equipping them with skills relevant to the modern labour market.
He said the newly introduced service streams are designed to provide graduates with practical skills tailored to their academic backgrounds, career interests and the needs of Nigeria’s workforce.
According to him, the reform will strengthen human capital development by equipping graduates with marketable skills to boost productivity, create employment opportunities and support economic growth.
Oyintiloye noted that the policy marks a strategic shift from the traditional service model to one that emphasises skills acquisition, innovation and sector-specific development.
“Under the reforms, corps members will be required to select a specialised service stream after registration.
“The streams include Agriculture Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps,” he said.
He added that participants would receive specialised training during the orientation programme, equipping them with practical knowledge and competencies relevant to their careers and national service.
Commending the initiative, the former member of the Osun State House of Assembly said the reform will reduce youth unemployment by prioritising skill acquisition and preparing graduates for productive engagement in key sectors of the economy.
“This comprehensive restructuring is the first major reform of the NYSC since its establishment 53 years ago and reflects the President’s commitment to youth development, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the new framework would enhance the scheme’s relevance to Nigeria’s current developmental needs while preserving its core objective of fostering national unity.
The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, to promote reconciliation, national integration and the development of common ties among Nigerian youths after the Nigerian Civil War.
