The National Alliance for Democracy has petitioned General Yakubu Gowon, the creator of the National Youth Service Corps, alongside other former Nigerian heads of state to address current plans to overhaul the agency. The organization fears that recent modifications approved by the Federal Executive Council may jeopardize the program’s original goals of fostering national integration and unity, which were established in 1973.
Dr. Lucky Eremosele, who leads the coalition, emphasized that while updating the system is acceptable, the government should avoid prioritizing commercial goals over the scheme’s mandate for social cohesion. Given the current climate of ethnic and religious tension, the group argues that the traditional deployment model remains essential for cross-cultural understanding. They have requested an immediate dialogue between these elder statesmen and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that any future policies align with the nation’s broader interests.
The alliance specifically mentioned figures including Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, urging them to utilize their historical influence to steer the reform process. The group expressed concern that shifting toward purely technical or specialized career streams could inadvertently create new inequalities or reduce the program’s effectiveness as a tool for nation-building. They concluded by demanding broader public consultation, involving youth groups and civil society, to prevent public distrust and protect the program’s core mission.
