Jelili Gbadamosi
The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) has called on former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and other former Nigerian leaders to intervene in the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that some of the proposed changes could undermine the scheme’s founding ideals.
The pro-democracy group expressed concern that aspects of the reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) may weaken the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity, integration and cohesion.
In a statement issued by its National Convener, Dr. Lucky Eremosele, NAD urged Gowon, the founder of the NYSC, alongside former Presidents and Heads of State, to engage President Bola Tinubu to ensure that any changes to the scheme align with the national interest and its original philosophy.
According to the group, while there is a need to modernise the NYSC, such reforms should not diminish its primary objective of fostering unity among Nigerians.
“The proposed changes, while claiming to modernise the scheme, risk diluting its primary purpose of fostering national integration. National interest must supersede any rushed alterations that could weaken this vital institution,” Eremosele said.
NAD noted that the NYSC has played a critical role in post-civil war reconciliation and has continued to expose young Nigerians to the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.
The group also called for wider consultations involving traditional rulers, youth organisations, civil society groups and members of the founding generation before any far-reaching reforms are implemented.
It further expressed concerns that some of the proposed changes, including specialised career streams and technology-driven mobilisation, could create inequalities and reduce opportunities for meaningful national service.
While commending generations of corps members for their contributions to national development, the alliance urged the Federal Government to prioritise their welfare and safety in any review of the scheme.
According to NAD, the intervention of General Gowon and other former leaders would provide the historical perspective and moral authority needed to ensure that the reforms strengthen, rather than weaken, one of Nigeria’s foremost nation-building institutions.
