Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to subject the recently approved reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to a broad national debate, arguing that the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval does not adequately address the scheme’s core mandate of national integration, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on June 30, 2026 on Tuesday, HURIWA described the reforms as “largely superficial and insufficiently far-reaching,” warning that they could dilute the founding philosophy of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which was established to promote national unity and reconciliation in the aftermath of the civil war.
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While expressing support for efforts aimed at improving the welfare, security and employability of young Nigerians, the group questioned the process that produced the reforms, saying key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, youth groups, labour representatives, educational institutions and security experts, were not meaningfully consulted.
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According to HURIWA, a policy shift of such significance should have emerged from extensive national consultations rather than what it described as an administrative exercise.
The organisation also argued that the reforms place excessive emphasis on entrepreneurship and skills acquisition while paying insufficient attention to the NYSC’s primary objective of fostering inter-ethnic understanding and national cohesion.
It noted that skills development is already embedded in the scheme through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, raising concerns about a possible duplication of the statutory functions of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
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HURIWA maintained that if the government’s long-term objective is to transform the NYSC into a predominantly skills-acquisition institution, it should clearly explain how the proposed reforms differ from existing programmes within the scheme and whether restructuring overlapping agencies would be a more appropriate approach.
The group further argued that if growing insecurity has raised legitimate concerns about the continued viability of nationwide deployment, any decision to alter the scheme’s structure should be preceded by transparent, nationwide consultations and broad public consensus.
It warned that at a time when Nigeria is grappling with deepening ethnic, regional and religious divisions, weakening the NYSC’s nation-building mandate would be counterproductive.
HURIWA therefore urged the Federal Government to convene broad-based public hearings involving civil society organisations, youth groups, labour unions, professional associations, security experts, educational institutions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders before proceeding with any amendments to the NYSC Act.
“The future of one of Nigeria’s most enduring national institutions should be determined through inclusive dialogue, not executive proclamation,” the statement said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
