The decision by the federal government to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and reposition the scheme for greater efficiency really needs to be commended. For many, it is long overdue.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while briefing journalists after the weekly FEC meeting, said while the government would maintain the scheme’s one-year duration, it would now introduce skills-based training for greater efficiency.
Other reforms, according to him, include digitalisation and change of leadership structure from military to civilians, among other measures to reposition the scheme for national development.
He listed some of the proposed changes to include risk-sensitive deployments, skills-based primary assignments that aligned with academic background and career pathways, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
Olawande added that there would be improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, as well as a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.
