Okediji Seeks Review Of NYSC Into State-based Youth Development Scheme

By RhemDy News 

Nigerian United States-based professor of Art and Art History, Moyo Okediji, has called for rethink on the purpose of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in view of the prevailing insecurity bedeviling the country.

Prof. Okediji, in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, however, disagreed with those clamouring for the scrapping of the scheme, suggesting instead its transformation into a state-based youth development programme.

The University of Texas scholar recalled that when former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon established the scheme in 1973, its primary objective was to promote national unity and reconciliation in the aftermath of the civil war. 

He noted that more than fifty years later, after hundreds of thousands of participants which included himself had passed through the scheme, "it is fair to ask whether the goals behind the establishment of the NYSC have been achieved."

He lamented that Nigeria currently appears to be more divided along ethnic and regional lines than it was when the programme began. 

"At the same time, the country faces security threats that were unimaginable in 1973. As a result, many graduates and their families now view NYSC postings with anxiety rather than enthusiasm," he noted.

The University professor recalled his excitement when he was posted to Enugu for his national service in 1977, contrasting same with the concerns of parents whose children await mobilisation for the scheme.

"Today, my daughter is awaiting her call-up letter, and like many families, we are concerned about the possibility of being posted to areas affected by insecurity.

"Some people argue that the NYSC should be scrapped altogether. I disagree. Instead, perhaps we should redefine its mission.

"Why not transform it into a state-based youth development program that combines security training, technical skills, and industrial education?," he argued.

Okediji maintained that young people could receive training in coding, engineering, construction, agriculture, creative industries, and emergency response, while serving within their home states.

"Such a programme could help strengthen local communities, improve employability, and contribute to national security at a time when Nigeria urgently needs both skilled citizens and greater resilience," he argued.

Rather than abolish the NYSC, Okediji insisted that the scheme can be redesigned to meet the realities of the twenty-first century.