Overhaul of National Youth Service Corps to aid in addressing joblessness among young people, says top APC official

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, believes that the Federal Government's overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps will play a crucial role in tackling the issue of youth unemployment in the country.

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He has praised the sweeping reform of the NYSC scheme, characterizing it as a bold move to reposition the program as a skills-driven platform for empowering young people and driving national development.

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In a statement released to journalists in Osogbo, Osun State, on Sunday, Oyintiloye expressed his support for the reform, which he believes aligns with the Federal Government's goal of building a $1 trillion economy by bolstering the capabilities of young Nigerian graduates.

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The reform aims to equip graduates with practical skills that are tailored to their academic backgrounds, career interests, and the needs of Nigeria's workforce, according to Oyintiloye, who noted that this will be achieved through the introduction of different service streams.

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Oyintiloye expects the reform to have a positive impact on human capital development by providing graduates with marketable skills, thereby boosting productivity, creating employment opportunities, and supporting economic growth.

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Under the new reforms, corps members will be required to select a specialized service stream after registration, with options including the Agriculture Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, and several others.

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Participants in the program will receive specialized training during the orientation period, which will equip them with practical knowledge and competencies relevant to their careers and national service, Oyintiloye explained.

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Oyintiloye commended the initiative, stating that it will help reduce youth unemployment by prioritizing skill acquisition and preparing graduates for productive engagement in key sectors of the economy.

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The comprehensive restructuring of the NYSC, the first major reform since its establishment 53 years ago, reflects the President's commitment to youth development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, according to Oyintiloye.

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The new framework is designed to enhance the scheme's relevance to Nigeria's current developmental needs while preserving its core objective of fostering national unity, Oyintiloye noted.

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The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 on May 22, 1973, with the goal of promoting reconciliation, national integration, and the development of common ties among Nigerian youths in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.