The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the most comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps in more than five decades, saying the initiative will reposition the Scheme to meet the aspirations and economic realities of Nigerian youths.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Comrade Jethro Kaluba (Jethro Annum), described the reforms as one of the most proactive decision under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that they demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the NYSC and strengthening its role in national development.

The youth body also commended the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande for his visionary leadership, sustained commitment and advocacy, which has played a crucial role in the approval of the reforms.

According to the statement, “we particularly commend the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and relentless advocacy that culminated in these reforms. His dedication to improving youth development policies has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to place young Nigerians at the centre of national development.

“The approved reforms are timely and strategic. The introduction of a technology-driven call-up process will enhance transparency, efficiency,, accountability and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Likewise, the adoption of risk-sensitive deployment will significantly improve the safety and welfare of corps members”.

NYC also described the planned redesign of the orientation programme to focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and specialised career training as a critical deviation from the traditional model, adding that, “the initiative would better prepare young graduates with practical skills for self-employment, job creation and competitiveness in the digital economy.

“Also, aligning corps members’ primary assignments with their academic qualifications and career aspirations would improve productivity, provide meaningful workplace experience and enhance graduate employability after the completion of national service. This is highly commendable as it shifts from the previous situation where most Corps members were deployed to the classroom “

On the proposed restructuring of the scheme’s administration, the organisation said introducing civilian operational leadership while retaining the military’s security support reflects global best practices and would promote professionalism without undermining the discipline and security for which the NYSC is known.

The Congress also welcomed plans to upgrade orientation camps through a national grading and certification system, alongside the introduction of a formal graduation ceremony and a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at promoting professionalism, dignity and national pride.

The youth group pledged its support for the successful implementation of the reforms and urged government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, educational institutions and Nigerian youths to collaborate in ensuring their success, while calling on the National Assembly to fast track amendments to the NYSC Act to facilitate the seamless implementation of the approved reforms.