Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Governing Board, Hillard Etta, has defended the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the NYSC scheme, saying they will equip corps members with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship and position young Nigerians to contribute more effectively to economic development, while preserving the scheme’s core objective of fostering national unity.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Etta said the reforms reflect a shared vision between the Federal Government and the NYSC Governing Board to modernise the scheme after more than five decades of operation.
Explaining the rationale behind the reforms, he said the NYSC, established in 1973 to foster national unity after the Nigerian Civil War, is now being repositioned to also serve as a platform for economic development and youth empowerment.NYSC
“The scheme was established to engender unity and cohesiveness after the civil war. More than five decades later, government is now looking at whether it is possible to use this same platform for economic development and youth empowerment,” he said.
Etta argued that the reforms are necessary because many graduates leave tertiary institutions without the practical skills required in today’s labour market.
“Most graduates from our tertiary institutions have become unemployable because many of the courses being offered do not provide the skills required for today’s world. These reforms will scale up skill acquisition and prepare corps members for the modern economy.”
Addressing concerns over the safety of corps members posted to volatile areas, Etta said the government has assured Nigerians that deployments will not be made to conflict zones.
“Government has made it clear that corps members will not be posted to areas of conflict, while efforts are ongoing to improve security across the country.”
He added that the reforms will place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership development, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), information and communication technology (ICT), and vocational training to better prepare young Nigerians for the evolving global economy.
“The world has become knowledge-driven. Training in AI, ICT and vocational skills will prepare young Nigerians either for employment or entrepreneurship.”
On support for corps members who choose entrepreneurship after service, Etta said beneficiaries should be able to access financing through the Nigerian Youth Fund to establish their businesses.
“Those interested in entrepreneurship should have access to the funds available under the Nigerian Youth Fund to help them establish their businesses.”
Speaking on the delayed inauguration of the NYSC Governing Board, Etta disclosed that although members were appointed in January 2025, the board has yet to be inaugurated.
“I was appointed on January 12, 2025, and the board has still not been inaugurated. I believe the minister has the administrative authority to inaugurate the board.”
Etta also acknowledged concerns about the state of NYSC orientation camps ahead of the proposed six-week orientation programme, noting that many facilities require significant upgrades.
He urged stronger collaboration between the Federal and state governments to modernise the camps and make them conducive for digital learning and skills development.
“The condition of the camps is critical to the success of these reforms. State governments are responsible for maintaining them, but the Federal Government should partner with them to ensure corps members have the facilities they deserve.”
He added:
“If all the camps become smart camps and ICT-compliant, acquiring knowledge in technology and artificial intelligence will become much easier for corps members.”
Etta expressed confidence that the proposed reforms would transform the NYSC into a stronger platform for national development, youth empowerment and economic growth.
“I believe stakeholders will build on the framework already provided so these reforms will truly make a difference for every young Nigerian who passes through the scheme.”
Goodness Anunobi
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