NYSC reform: Shehu Sani kicks against civilian DG, calls for tougher military training

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, on Tuesday said that the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, should be a soldier.

Sani said that element of military training should not be removed from the NYSC, even though reforms are good.

Posting on X, the former lawmaker said: “Reforming the NYSC is a good idea but we must not discard that element of military training.The DG of the NYSC should remain a soldier.

“In a nation facing serious security challenges, there is the need for even more rigorous military training at this material time.”

This follows as President Bola Tinubu gave his approval for a major overhaul of the NYSC, bringing in big changes meant to update the program, make life better for the participants, and match the program with today’s national development plans.

As part of the reforms, the NYSC will now be run by civilians, while the military will still provide security for corps members throughout the country.

The President also told the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to change the NYSC Act and related rules to match the approved updates and make sure they are carried out right away.

The changes involve starting a new way to call people using technology, a system that carefully manages risks to keep corps members safe, and a new six-week training program that focuses more on leadership, starting your own business, using digital tools, and specific career paths.