Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has opposed plans to remove the military from the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), insisting that the scheme’s Director-General should remain a serving military officer.
Sani made the remarks on Tuesday in a post on X while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s approval of sweeping reforms to the NYSC.
He said that while reforming the scheme was commendable, its military orientation should be preserved.
“Reforming the NYSC is a good idea but we must not discard that element of military training. The DG of the NYSC should remain a soldier.
“In a nation facing serious security challenges, there is the need for even more rigorous military training at this material time,” he wrote.
His comments come after President Tinubu approved a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC aimed at modernising the scheme, improving the welfare of corps members and aligning it with the country’s current development priorities.
Under the approved reforms, civilians will take over the administration of the NYSC, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members across the country.
The President also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to reflect the reforms and ensure their immediate implementation.
The reforms include the introduction of a technology-driven mobilisation process, a comprehensive risk management framework to enhance the safety of corps members, and a new six-week training programme focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career development.