Rep member, Agbese writes Tinubu, rejects NYSC reforms, gives reasons
Lawmakers Urge Halt to NYSC Reforms
Philip Agbese, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The reforms, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, have sparked public debate, with some Nigerians advocating for the program’s complete dissolution, while others express concerns about the impact of the changes on the NYSC’s foundational goals.
In a private letter to the president, Agbese described the proposed alterations as potentially harmful to the core mission of the NYSC, which aims to promote national unity. He urged Tinubu to establish a multi-disciplinary committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the reforms, citing risks to national security and cross-cultural integration.
Among the contentious changes is the recommendation to replace the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric. Agbese criticized this and other proposed shifts, arguing that framing the modifications as “innovation” and “modernization” obscures a significant departure from the program’s original intent.
The planned restructuring includes transitioning from military to civilian leadership, extending the orientation camp duration to six weeks, implementing a structured training curriculum, and automating the call-up process. Agbese specifically noted concerns over the decision to appoint a civilian Director-General while maintaining military oversight, which he termed “disturbing.”
He warned that this approach could lead to fragmentation in command structures and potentially undermine the effectiveness of the NYSC.
