CSOs, Youth Groups Convene National Dialogue on NYSC Reforms

Concerned civil society organisations and youth groups have moved to influence the ongoing review of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, announcing plans to convene a national dialogue to shape proposed reforms before the Federal Government takes a final decision.

The one-day dialogue, organised by the Centre for Equity, Justice and Transparency in collaboration with the Save Nigeria Movement, is expected to bring together senior academics, former corps members, youth organisations, security agencies, and other stakeholders to examine key reform proposals and develop recommendations for government.

The initiative is being convened by legal practitioners Sorkaa Tsembelee and Patrick Agbese.

According to the organisers, deliberations at the forum will be compiled into a working document to be submitted to the Federal Government and the National Assembly as stakeholders’ contribution to the reform process.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisers said the dialogue was designed to ensure that decisions on the future of the NYSC reflect broad national consensus and practical experience.

“The essence of this dialogue is for critical stakeholders to make input into the proposed NYSC reforms before the President’s administration takes final decisions.

“We will have senior academics, former corps members, youth groups and other members of society to dissect the proposed reforms thoroughly. It will thereafter crystallise into a working document for the Federal Government. We will invite the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army and other relevant institutions. Let everyone examine the proposals and make their contributions,” the statement said.

The organisers noted that although the NYSC, established in 1973, has played a significant role in promoting national unity and supporting manpower development, growing concerns over corps members’ welfare, insecurity, funding, deployment policies and the programme’s relevance have heightened calls for comprehensive reforms.

They said the dialogue would assess whether the scheme has remained true to its founding objectives while identifying legislative and policy changes needed to address emerging realities.

According to them, the reform process should preserve the NYSC’s core mandate of fostering national integration while strengthening its skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment components.

“This is not about dismantling an institution that has served Nigeria well; it is about strengthening it through the collective wisdom of those who have experienced it and those who have studied its impact.

“Former corps members have practical insights policymakers often overlook, and we want those voices represented. Youth groups and civil society must not remain on the sidelines while decisions that will shape the future of Nigerian graduates are made,” the organisers said.

Participants are expected to deliberate on corps members’ welfare, orientation camp facilities, deployment procedures, funding, the Community Development Service (CDS) component and security for corps members posted to high-risk areas.

Senior academics will also examine national service models in other countries to identify global best practices that could improve Nigeria’s scheme.

The organisers added that security agencies, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Nigerian Army, would provide institutional perspectives on improving the safety of corps members and strengthening inter-agency coordination in volatile locations.

“We cannot discuss NYSC reforms without hearing from those responsible for securing the environment where corps members serve. Their perspectives on logistics, security and coordination are indispensable.

“The final document must offer practical, evidence-based recommendations that the government can implement. It should reflect the views of former corps members, scholars, security agencies, youth organisations and civil society.

“The future of the NYSC is too important to be decided in isolation. This dialogue is our contribution to an open, inclusive and solution-driven reform process,” the statement added.