NYSC: Provide resources or you may as well term it to be voluntary- Jega tells FG

The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has urged the Federal government to make a crucial decision regarding the NYSC program. He spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

He emphasized that the government should either allocate the necessary resources to sustain the compulsory nature of the scheme or transform it into a voluntary service. Jega highlighted the importance of retaining the NYSC but stressed the need for it to be repositioned to make a significant contribution to national development. He cautioned that without appropriate reforms, the program might not endure for another ten decades.

“If Nigeria wants to do mandatory youth service for all graduates, then Nigeria must provide resources to do just that. Otherwise, you may as well term it to be voluntary or specialised so that you can have maximum value for your little resources. We must retain this service, but we must reposition it in such a manner that it can provide not only value for money but also have an even more substantial impact on national progress and development, or else it won’t last the next ten decades.” he said