The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set for a major overhaul. On April 5, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, proposed extending the mandatory NYSC service from one year to two.
This bold suggestion has sparked debates across the country. Alongside this, the Minister of Youth, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has advocated stopping the grueling 4:00 a.m. drills in NYSC camps. What does this mean for Nigerian youths? Let’s dive into the details.
A New Vision for NYSC: Two Years of Service
Dr. Olatunji Alausa dropped the bombshell during a courtesy visit from NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja. He argued that a two-year service would allow corps members to gain deeper skills.
The Minister tied this extension to the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. He believes doubling the duration could turn graduates into job creators, not just job seekers.
The NYSC, established in 1973, aims to foster national unity. For decades, it’s been a rite of passage for Nigerian graduates under 30. But Alausa sees untapped potential. “You have done so well as an organization,” he told the NYSC leadership. “Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country.” His vision? A revamped scheme that aligns with modern economic demands.
Why Extend NYSC to Two Years?
The Minister’s reasoning is clear. One year isn’t enough to equip corps members with meaningful skills. The SAED program, though valuable, often feels rushed. Extending the service to two years could deepen its impact. Alausa also highlighted the need for more graduate teachers in rural schools. A longer service could address manpower gaps in underserved areas.
This isn’t just about skills. It’s about national development. Alausa praised NYSC’s efforts to curb certificate fraud through digitalization. He sees a two-year service as a chance to build on these gains. By giving corps members more time, the government could foster innovation and entrepreneurship. But not everyone is on board with this idea.
Government Reactions: Mixed Feelings
The proposal has stirred varied responses within government circles. Some officials see it as a game-changer. They argue it could reduce youth unemployment. A longer service might prepare graduates for a tough job market. Others, however, are skeptical. Funding NYSC for two years could strain the national budget. The program already costs billions annually.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, NYSC’s Director-General, offered cautious support. “We are ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government,” he said. He also pushed for a database of Nigerian students abroad to tackle fake certificates. His focus? Reforming NYSC to meet “present national needs.” But he stopped short of fully endorsing the two-year plan.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is moving forward. Alausa revealed plans to digitize verification for foreign-trained graduates. This shows a broader commitment to modernizing education. The two-year NYSC proposal fits into this agenda. Yet, the lack of a unified government stance leaves its fate uncertain.
Stopping Morning Drills: A Youth-Friendly Move
While the two-year extension grabs headlines, another reform is making waves. On April 7, 2025, Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande called for an end to NYSC’s early morning drills. Speaking at the 2025 NYSC management conference in Abuja, he questioned their purpose.
“Is drilling the purpose for us to do things?” he asked. “Of what purpose is drilling to us?” Currently, corps members wake up at 4:00 a.m. for physical training. Olawande wants this shifted to 7:00 a.m. His reasoning? More rest equals more active participants. “The NYSC members should be allowed to start their drilling by 7:00 a.m.,” he insisted. He’s already consulting stakeholders to make this happen.
Why Scrap the 4:00 a.m. Routine?
Olawande’s push isn’t just about comfort. It’s about rethinking NYSC’s priorities. He argued that unity, not drills, is the scheme’s core goal. “We talk about unity in diversity,” he said. Exhausting corps members at dawn might not serve that purpose.
Instead, he envisions a camp experience focused on engagement and skill-building.
This proposal aligns with his broader mission. As Youth Minister, Olawande champions the welfare of Nigerian youths. He believes a less grueling schedule could boost morale. Corps members often complain about fatigue during the 21-day orientation. A later start could change that narrative.
Public Sentiment: Cheers and Jeers
Nigerians are buzzing about these changes. On social media, some hail the drill reform. “Finally, someone gets it!” one X user posted. Others see it as a small but welcome shift. Yet, the two-year extension has drawn sharper criticism. “One year is hell enough, let alone two,” another user tweeted. Many fear it’s a waste of time in an already tough economy.
Students and corps members are especially vocal. Some worry about delayed career starts. Others question the government’s ability to fund it. “They can’t pay us properly for one year, now two?” a prospective corps member asked.
The 33,000-naira monthly stipend hasn’t kept pace with inflation. Doubling the service might amplify these woes.
Economic and Social Implications
A two-year NYSC could reshape Nigeria’s youth landscape. Economically, it might churn out more entrepreneurs. The SAED program could produce viable startups with extra time. Socially, it could strengthen national unity. Longer postings might deepen cultural ties across regions. But there’s a flip side.
Critics argue it could widen the unemployment gap. Graduates might spend two years in limbo, only to face the same job scarcity. Rural areas might benefit from more teachers, but urban corps members could feel underutilized. The success hinges on execution, something Nigeria’s government has struggled with before.
What’s Next for NYSC?
The two-year proposal isn’t law yet. It needs legislative approval and public buy-in. Alausa and Olawande are pushing hard, but hurdles remain. Funding, logistics, and youth resistance could stall it. Meanwhile, the drill reform seems more immediate. Olawande’s consultations suggest it’s already in motion.
The NYSC’s future hangs in the balance. Will it evolve into a two-year powerhouse of skill and unity? Or will it stay a one-year rite of passage with tweaks? For now, Nigerian youths watch and wait. Their voices, online and offline, will shape what comes next.
A Bold Leap or a Misstep?
Dr. Olatunji Alausa’s vision is ambitious. Extending NYSC to two years could redefine national service. Pairing it with Olawande’s drill reform shows a dual focus: skills and welfare. Together, they signal a government ready to rethink an old institution. But success isn’t guaranteed.
Nigerian youths deserve a system that works for them.
A two-year NYSC could be that, if done right. For now, it’s a proposal sparking hope, debate, and a little dread. What do you think? Share your views below. The NYSC saga is just beginning.
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