Suspend NYSC Reforms Until Public Hearings Are Held, Ologun Tells Nigerian Govt

The Executive Director of the Centre for Responsive Governance, Ayodeji Ologun, has urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) until comprehensive public hearings are conducted, warning that the current process could undermine the objectives of the scheme.

Ologun made the call on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State. He argued that although the NYSC is overdue for reforms, the government’s approach lacks inclusiveness and fails to address the fundamental challenges confronting the scheme.

According to him, any meaningful review of the NYSC must be guided by extensive consultations with stakeholders involved in youth development, rather than hurried policy decisions.

“The recommendation and the provision of it should be suspended until the right thing is done, which is obtaining opinions and ideas through public hearings involving everyone interested in and affected by youth development issues,” he said.

Ologun acknowledged that the NYSC has gradually lost much of its original relevance but maintained that reforms should be comprehensive and driven by the founding objectives of the scheme.

“There is no doubt that the NYSC has been due for review because it has almost lost its relevance, its importance and the original intent of its founders. But when we finally decide to solve problems in this country, we often fail to address them holistically,” he stated.

He stressed that there was no urgency requiring the government to bypass due process.

“There’s nothing to rush about these reforms. Reforming the NYSC is a good idea, but there is no reason to be in a hurry. Let the proper changes be made,” he said.

The governance advocate insisted that youth organisations, professionals, civil society groups and development partners should be given the opportunity to contribute before any reform proposals are finalised.

He also questioned the emphasis placed on entrepreneurship in the proposed reforms, arguing that the NYSC already operates several entrepreneurship and business support initiatives.

According to him, multiple intervention programmes currently provide corps members with access to grants, loans and business development opportunities.

“As I speak to you, there are about five schemes within the NYSC that provide loans, grants and entrepreneurship support to corps members. These programmes already exist and beneficiaries can testify to them,” he said.

Ologun argued that government should strengthen and harmonise existing programmes instead of presenting them as entirely new initiatives.

“If these programmes already exist, why make it appear as though something entirely new is being introduced? Government should enhance and consolidate what is already working instead of creating unnecessary duplication,” he added.

Reacting to proposals that civilians should replace military officers in the leadership of the NYSC, Ologun described the move as politically motivated and warned that it could weaken one of the scheme’s strongest attributes—discipline.

He alleged that the current administration appeared more interested in creating additional political appointments than strengthening existing institutions.

“This administration seems to be looking for every opportunity to create more appointments for politicians. That will not solve the problems of the NYSC,” he said.

Defending the continued involvement of the military in the orientation programme, Ologun maintained that the camp experience has, over the years, instilled discipline, responsibility and resilience in young graduates.

“No matter how undisciplined you are before entering camp, the three-week orientation programme changes your lifestyle. You wake up early, attend parades, obey instructions and learn discipline through the military and paramilitary structure,” he said.

He warned that replacing the military structure with civilian leadership could erode the values the scheme has long promoted.

“When you remove the military and paramilitary structure, what discipline are you introducing? One of the greatest achievements of the NYSC has been its ability to instill discipline in young people. Removing that structure would weaken the scheme and create more bureaucracy and political patronage,” Ologun said.

He urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed reforms until broad-based public consultations are held, insisting that any review of the NYSC should strengthen—not diminish—the scheme’s founding objectives and long-term national value.