Former Senator Shehu Sani has voiced opposition to plans that would transition the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to civilian leadership. While acknowledging that institutional improvements are beneficial, Sani insisted that the program’s military foundation is essential.
Sharing his views on social media, the former Kaduna Central representative argued that given Nigeria’s ongoing security volatility, the organization should actually increase the intensity of its military training rather than decrease it. He emphasized that the Director General role should continue to be held by a military official.
This debate follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent authorization of a comprehensive overhaul for the NYSC. The government aims to modernize the scheme, enhance participant welfare, and better align the program with national development objectives. The official plan includes shifting administrative control to civilians while maintaining a military presence for corps member security.
To facilitate these adjustments, President Tinubu directed Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi and Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande to amend the NYSC Act. Upcoming updates include a digitized mobilization process, an advanced risk management framework, and a revised six-week training curriculum centered on entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional development.
