Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s decision to extend the National Youth Service Corps orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks as part of the sweeping reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council.
While some welcomed the emphasis on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and specialised career training, many questioned whether existing NYSC camps have the infrastructure to accommodate corps members for an additional three weeks.
The reforms, approved on Monday, also introduce 11 specialised career streams, a redesigned orientation curriculum, civilian operational leadership for the scheme, a new NYSC uniform and the replacement of the traditional Passing Out Parade with a graduation ceremony.
Reacting on X, Oserin (#DamilohunA) argued that the reforms reflected a disconnect between policymakers and recent corps members.
“No offense but this is why we need young people in places of power. A 25-28 year old who did NYSC between 2022 and now won’t suggest half of these things, and they’re in a better position to suggest reforms. It’s only someone who hasn’t been to camp recently that’ll suggest that people should be there for six weeks.”
