Minister says NYSC reforms will strengthen scheme

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, says the proposed reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will strengthen the scheme to meet challenges and opportunities.

She said this in Abuja on Wednesday when she received committee report on NYSC Reforms, noting that the reforms would ensure its relevance and impact for years to come.

She said “NYSC plays a crucial role in promoting national unity, fostering development, and empowering youths.

“Like any reputable institution, NYSC must adapt and evolve to effectively tackle the constantly changing challenges and opportunities in the society.”

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olubunmi Olasanya, represented by Mr Momoh Olugbenga, Director for Enterprise Development and Promotion,
commended the committee for the diligence and professionalism.

Olasanya said the extensive consultations, analysis and recommendations carried out by the committee provided clear evidence of the thoughtful and inclusive process undertaken.

He said “the report will serve as roadmap for making the scheme more responsive, resilient and impactful.

“The task ahead of us, as the ministry and stakeholders of the NYSC, is now to take these recommendations and turn them into actionable reforms.

“We will engage all necessary channels to ensure that the proposals you have outlined are implemented in a manner that ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the NYSC.”

In his presentation, the committee Chairman, Mr Oyekunle Oyekanmi, recalled that on July 26, the minister constituted and inaugurated the team.

Oyekanmi said the committee was tasked with the responsibility of appraising the scheme and recommendations on how to make the NYSC self-sufficient,
and a sustainable platform that would compete with other youth organisations across the globe.

According to him, the committee produced a 31-page document to improve the NYSC scheme.

“The recommendations aim at making the NYSC self-sufficient and profitable, with a focus on enhanced training for youth corps members,” he said.