The Federal government has said that the proposed reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will strengthen the scheme to meet challenges and opportunities while ensuring its relevance and impact for years to come.
This was made known by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio- Ibrahim in her office during the submission of the Report on NYSC Reforms by the Committee on Wednesday.
She emphasized that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has played a crucial role in promoting national unity, fostering development, and empowering youth since it was established. She also mentioned that like any reputable Institution, the NYSC must adapt and evolve to effectively tackle the constantly changing challenges and opportunities in the society.
According to a statement by Omolara Esan, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Ibrahim expressed her appreciation to all members of the Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Oyekunle Oyekanmi for their dedication and hard work over the past months. She noted that the mandate they received in July was not an easy one, yet they embraced it with unwavering commitment.
She stressed that the occasion stands at a significant juncture as she receives the draft report that embodies their vision for the future National Youth Service Corps.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olasanya who was represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga, the Directorfor Enterprise Development and Promotion commended the committee for their diligence and professionalism. He noted that the extensive consultations, analysis, and recommendations they have provided are clear evidence of the thoughtful and inclusive process they have undertaken. The report will serve as a roadmap for making the NYSC more responsive, resilient, and impactful in the years to come, he added.
He stated:”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, Mr. Oyekunle Oyekanmi, Committee Chairman, NYSC Reforms, recalled that on July 26, 2024, the Minister constituted and inaugurated the NYSC Reform Committee.He informed that the committee was tasked with the responsibility to appraise the scheme and make recommendations on how to make the NYSC self-sufficient, and a sustainable platform that would be able to compete with other youth organizations across the globe.
He announced that the Reform Committee has produced a 31-page document to improve the NYSC scheme. The recommendations, he said, aim at making the NYSC self-sufficient and profitable, with a focus on enhanced training for corps members.
