MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE writes that Nigeria’s national youth service needs well-considered reforms, not capricious changes
Federal Government’s recent pronouncement of its plan to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has generated mixed reactions, understandably. The decision is not surprising, coming from an administration that loves to be seen as reform-minded. On a good day, attempts at introducing changes, especially result-oriented ones, are progressive and should be supported by those who care for advancement. But these are unusual times. Nigerians have had to live more with flamboyant rhetoric and serially broken promises than actual desirable deliverables.
Scepticism about government’s intentions and capacity to transform the NYSC into a more actualised programme has, therefore, come to me naturally, like countless other compatriots. For one, the youth scheme is too important to be sent to a surgical ward after what seems to be the government waking up from the wrong side of the bed. Some sort of a fire-brigade operation. In coming up with this bogus idea only less than one year to the end of its term in office, President Bola Tinubu’s government has acted like some of its predecessors. Presidents and governors assume power and start conducting the affairs of state as if their re-election is a given. Soon, “Four Plus Four; Go on Straight; No shaking” billboards will spring up nationwide.
