NYSC reforms: FG told to suspend implementation, conduct public hearing first

Executive Director of the Center for Responsive Governance, Ayodeji Ologun, has called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed reforms of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, until extensive public consultations are conducted, warning that the current approach risks undermining the objectives of the scheme.

The  governance advocate asserted that while reforming the NYSC is necessary, the process being adopted by the government lacks inclusiveness and fails to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Ologun spoke on Monday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta.

He acknowledged that NYSC needs reforms but argued that the process must be comprehensive and driven by the scheme’s original objectives.  

He said, “The recommendation implementatiom should be suspended until the right thing is done, which is harvesting opinions and ideas through public hearing by everyone interested and involved in issues that have to do with youth development.”

He warned that reforms introduced without proper consultation could undermine the programme rather than strengthen it, adding that the current direction of the proposed reforms, if implemented as reported, would fail to address the fundamental issues facing the scheme

“There’s no doubt that the NYSC has been due for review because it has almost lost its relevance, it has almost lost its importance, it has almost lost the intent on which the founding fathers of the NYSC scheme, what they had in mind.

“But sometimes, I wonder what kind of a nation we live in, that when we identify a problem, it takes us so long to address the issues, and when eventually we even choose to address the issues, we don’t address the issue holistically, or the way it should be.”

On the issue of implementation, Ologun urged the Federal Government to suspend further action on the proposed reforms until a broad consultative process involving key stakeholders in youth development is concluded.  

He maintained that meaningful reforms should emerge from public engagement rather than hurried policy decisions, insisting that there was no urgency that justified bypassing due process.

“There’s nothing to rush about these reforms. The unfortunate thing is that the public office holders are making a rush out of processes, not just the NYSC thing.

“Different processes because of their personal gains. The same thing applies to the state police. Yes, these are good ideas. Reforming the NYSC is a good idea, but there’s nothing to be in a rush about. Let the proper change be done,” he said.

He also noted that the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilian management could weaken one of the scheme’s strongest attributes — discipline, and erode the values it has long promoted.

NYSC reforms: FG told to suspend implementation, conduct public hearing first