NYSC reform: Shehu Sani kicks against civilian DG, calls for tougher military training

Former Senator Advocates for Military Leadership in NYSC Reform

Kaduna — Former Senator Shehu Sani expressed his views on the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, advocating for the Director General of the organization to be a military officer.

Sani emphasized the importance of maintaining military training within the NYSC, despite ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the program. He stated, “Reforming the NYSC is a good idea, but we must not discard that element of military training. The Director General of the NYSC should remain a soldier.” He further noted the pressing need for enhanced military training given the nation’s current security challenges.

This statement coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, which aims to introduce significant changes to better align the program with contemporary national development goals.

Under the new plan, the NYSC will be managed by civilians, while military personnel will still provide security for corps members across the country. The President has instructed Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi and Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande to amend the NYSC Act and related regulations to facilitate these updates promptly.

The reforms will also incorporate a technological approach to the recruitment process, establish a risk management system to enhance safety for corps members, and introduce a new six-week training module that emphasizes leadership skills, entrepreneurship, digital tools, and specialized career paths.

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