Nigeria Restructures Youth Service Scheme to Meet Modern Challenges

In a bid to revitalize a decades-old institution, the Federal Government has launched a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps.

The move aims to align the scheme with the country’s current development needs and the aspirations of its young population.

At a ceremony held in the nation’s capital Abuja, key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector converged to kick-start the overhaul process.

The Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the scheme’s historical significance in fostering national cohesion and youth empowerment since its inception in 1973.

However, the minister also underscored the pressing need for a makeover to tackle contemporary challenges, including the safety and security of participants, inadequate infrastructure, and concerns about the scheme’s relevance in today’s fast-changing socio-economic landscape.

A newly constituted committee has been entrusted with conducting a thorough examination of the scheme’s existing framework and performance.

The committee’s terms of reference include a review of the policy and legislative underpinnings, nationwide stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for institutional reform, as well as proposals for enhanced funding and oversight mechanisms.

In a related development, the Minister of Education unveiled proposals for two novel service initiatives: a teaching corps for holders of the National Certificate in Education and a medical corps for healthcare professionals. These initiatives, which would be voluntary and last for two years, are designed to bolster education and healthcare delivery in rural areas while providing employment opportunities.