FG Set to Restructure NYSC, Introduce Teachers’, Medical Corps

The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), signalling a major reform agenda aimed at making the scheme more relevant and impactful in today’s Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of a review committee in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the NYSC, established in 1973, has played a key role in fostering unity and empowering Nigerian youths.

However, he acknowledged that urgent changes are needed to address growing concerns.

“Corps members’ safety, inadequate infrastructure, and the question of whether the NYSC still meets modern economic and social demands are real challenges,” Olawande said.

“But these challenges also give us an opportunity to reimagine the scheme in a way that truly empowers our young people and supports national development.”

The newly inaugurated committee comprises representatives from government ministries, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

Its mandate includes reviewing existing NYSC policies, gathering feedback from across the country, and recommending legislative and operational reforms.

Olawande stressed that the government aims to make the NYSC safer, more creative, and result-oriented.

“We want the outcome of this review to align with broader national goals, positioning NYSC as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment,” he added.

One major highlight of the reform is the proposed introduction of specialised corps for teachers and medical professionals.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the new Teachers’ Corps and Medical Corps would specifically target NCE graduates and healthcare workers.

“These initiatives will not only fill the gaps in education and healthcare in underserved areas, but also provide a clear employment pathway for Nigerian youths,” Alausa said.

“The Teachers’ Corps is expected to help bridge the shortage of qualified teachers in rural schools, while the Medical Corps will focus on improving maternal and child health services across the country.”

The plan has been welcomed by education and health advocates. According to Dr. Amina Yusuf, an education consultant based in Kaduna,

“Deploying young teachers and health workers to rural communities will improve learning and healthcare outcomes. It’s a long-overdue step in the right direction.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, also underscored the importance of aligning the NYSC reforms with broader youth development strategies, including vocational and technical training.

“We must ensure that the youth are equipped with practical skills that allow them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the economy,” Usman stated.

“Empowering our youth is key to achieving long-term national prosperity.”

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the Minister of Youth Development within a stipulated timeframe.

Among the areas to be addressed are funding, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and possible amendments to the NYSC Act.

The NYSC scheme has recently faced criticism due to rising insecurity in parts of the country, deteriorating camp conditions, and concerns over its relevance in today’s job market.

Last year, several corps members posted to remote areas raised alarm over lack of basic amenities and safety threats.

A serving corps member, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, posted in Zamfara, said,

“We need better protection and working conditions. Most of us want to serve, but not at the cost of our lives.”

With these planned reforms, the government is hopeful that NYSC can once again become a strong platform for national unity and youth development.

As the committee begins its work, Nigerians across sectors are watching closely, hoping that the outcome will mark a turning point in how the country engages and empowers its young population.