IT is not surprising that the Federal Government has decided to reform the National Youth Service Corps after 53 years. Nigeria today is vastly different from the country that gave birth to the scheme in 1973. The country is grappling with severe economic hardship, mass unemployment and a brutal security crisis that have fundamentally altered the environment in which the NYSC operates.That, however, is precisely why the government must not rush the exercise. The reform must be comprehensive, needs-driven and shaped by the people if it is to remain relevant and sustainable.The proposals require meaningful input from all stakeholders—the executive, the legislature, public and private educational institutions, students, civil society, employers and the wider private sector.On June 26, the Federal Government unveiled sweeping proposals for restructuring the scheme. The military component has been significantly reduced, with the military no longer expected to head the NYSC.The orientation camp would be extended from three weeks to six weeks, while the traditional passing-out parade would be replaced with a graduation ceremony, even though participants would already have graduated from their tertiary institutions.The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. That, however, is precisely why the government must not rush the exercise. The reform must be comprehensive, needs-driven and shaped by the people if it is to remain relevant and sustainable.The proposals require meaningful input from all stakeholders—the executive, the legislature, public and private educational institutions, students, civil society, employers and the wider private sector.On June 26, the Federal Government unveiled sweeping proposals for restructuring the scheme. The military component has been significantly reduced, with the military no longer expected to head the NYSC.The orientation camp would be extended from three weeks to six weeks, while the traditional passing-out parade would be replaced with a graduation ceremony, even though participants would already have graduated from their tertiary institutions.The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The proposals require meaningful input from all stakeholders—the executive, the legislature, public and private educational institutions, students, civil society, employers and the wider private sector.On June 26, the Federal Government unveiled sweeping proposals for restructuring the scheme. The military component has been significantly reduced, with the military no longer expected to head the NYSC.The orientation camp would be extended from three weeks to six weeks, while the traditional passing-out parade would be replaced with a graduation ceremony, even though participants would already have graduated from their tertiary institutions.The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. On June 26, the Federal Government unveiled sweeping proposals for restructuring the scheme. The military component has been significantly reduced, with the military no longer expected to head the NYSC.The orientation camp would be extended from three weeks to six weeks, while the traditional passing-out parade would be replaced with a graduation ceremony, even though participants would already have graduated from their tertiary institutions.The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The orientation camp would be extended from three weeks to six weeks, while the traditional passing-out parade would be replaced with a graduation ceremony, even though participants would already have graduated from their tertiary institutions.The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The iconic white T-shirt and khaki uniform would also be replaced. In addition, the proposal introduces a technology-driven call-up process designed to align each corps member’s deployment with their skills, academic background and career path.Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Participants would choose from 11 specialised streams during registration, including the Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and Legal Corps.The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The proposed governance structure also provides for three Executive Directors, one of whom would be a military or paramilitary officer.These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. These are ambitious changes with far-reaching implications.The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The NYSC was established by Decree 24 of May 22, 1973, by the military regime of Yakubu Gowon as a post-civil-war initiative aimed at reconciliation, reconstruction and national rebuilding after the Biafra War.At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. At inception, participation was limited to graduates of tertiary institutions below the age of 30. Corps members were deliberately posted outside their states of origin to foster national integration and strengthen national unity. In 1984, however, NCE graduates were excluded from the scheme to reduce costs and keep enrolment at a manageable level.In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. In those early years, unemployment was relatively low, and many graduates eagerly anticipated the opportunity to serve in parts of the country they had never visited.As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. As the economy deteriorated, however, the challenges multiplied. From a monthly allowance of N60 at inception in 1973, the stipend was reviewed several times before rising to N77,000 in 2025. Even so, it remains grossly inadequate in today’s harsh economic climate.Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Security has dealt an even greater blow to the scheme. Until insecurity cast a long shadow over national life, graduates generally welcomed postings outside their regions.That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. That confidence evaporated after more than 10 corps members were murdered during the violence that followed the 2011 general election in northern Nigeria.Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Even worse, over the past 16 years, terrorists and bandits have reportedly killed more than 100,000 Nigerians, abducted about 2.2 million people and displaced 3.8 million others. Under such conditions, the very rationale for deploying young graduates across the country has come under serious strain.The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The scheme also suffers from structural deficiencies. Many corps members are posted to organisations where they perform duties unrelated to their academic qualifications or career aspirations. In some cases, fake graduates have infiltrated the programme, exposing the corruption and manipulation that have crept into the system.Related NewsPoS row turns deadly as four killed in Oyo violenceUBA Foundation expands support for underserved childrenVIDEO: Insecurity, hardship have never been this bad in Nigeria’s history, says Dele MomoduThese shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. These shortcomings justify reform.While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. While the military government created the NYSC during a period of economic prosperity to promote national integration, the current administration seeks to transform it into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” that reflects today’s socioeconomic realities.That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. That objective is commendable. But a national institution with profound security, economic and social implications requires more than ministerial deliberations or Federal Executive Council approval.Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Unlike the Gowon-era scheme, which was imposed by military decree, the proposed reforms should be subjected to extensive public hearings. Stakeholders should have the opportunity to debate the continued relevance of the scheme, its governance structure, duration, funding, compulsory nature and any other consequential issue.The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The government’s proposal to confine the military’s role largely to protecting corps members is also at odds with prevailing realities.Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Military participation has long been associated with discipline, resilience and leadership. Those values remain essential in shaping responsible young citizens. Character remains as important as competence.More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. More importantly, it seems shortsighted to dilute military training in a country facing persistent insecurity and growing security challenges. Whether military participation should be expanded or reduced ought to be decided through broad national consultation rather than administrative fiat.Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Many countries, including South Korea and Israel, require compulsory military service or training for young people. Nigeria should have an honest national conversation on whether some form of military training should extend beyond university graduates. If adopted, such training should be based on age rather than educational qualification.There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. There is also a compelling case for reviewing the proposal to replace military leadership of the NYSC with civilians. The scheme has remained relatively stable over the decades partly because of military discipline and organisational culture.Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Would future appointments of the Director-General and other senior officials be insulated from political patronage? Would the bureaucracy that has crippled many public institutions eventually seep into the NYSC?Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Another critical question is whether participation should remain compulsory. Can the government sustainably fund allowances for every graduate? Would a voluntary scheme reduce costs and make the programme more effective, just as excluding NCE holders did decades ago?The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The Muhammadu Buhari administration admitted it lacked sufficient resources to sustain the scheme. President Bola Tinubu later cleared outstanding arrears and significantly increased corps members’ allowances.Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Even so, the government should mobilise only the number of participants it can adequately support rather than exposing young graduates to unnecessary economic hardship.Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Nigerian graduates already spend an average of four years in tertiary institutions, yet employers frequently complain that many remain unemployable. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect six weeks of orientation to bridge such profound skills gaps.The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. The government must, therefore, pursue durable reform rather than cosmetic changes driven by sentiment or political expediency.Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. Fundamental issues, including sustainable funding, transparent appointment of competent officials, adequate facilities, qualified instructors and relevant training curricula, must be addressed with sincerity and long-term commitment.As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure. As an institution with enormous security, economic and national significance, the reform of the NYSC must not be hurried. It must be thorough, inclusive and built to endure.