Dare said scrapping the NYSC or even making it optional should not be a subject of discussion considering the primary goal of the scheme’s founders.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Federal Government on Tuesday said there are no plans to scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which Nigerian graduates must compulsorily undergo for one year.
Presenting his ministry’s scorecard at an event held at the National Press Centre in Abuja, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said scrapping the NYSC or even making it optional should not be a subject of discussion considering the primary goal of the scheme’s founders.
Dare, however, noted that the NYSC is looking at reforms to address challenges within the scheme.
He said, “When General Yakubu Gowon and that government decided to come up with the NYSC, the central rationale was the need to promote the unity of this country. And you know that the life wire of any nation is its youths. Once the youth are captured, their patriotism is captured and can spread across the country.
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“So, the rationale behind bringing the NYSC on as a scheme by General Yakubu Gowon up until now still exists. Every country, including Nigeria, is still, daily, trying to promote its unity in diversity.
“Some of us have never been to the part of the country where we served and never knew their culture, never experienced them. We will be celebrating NYSC’s 50th anniversary in May of next year. A committee will be inaugurated tomorrow. That committee will unearth the impact, the testimonies, and the power of the NYSC.
“If you look at that, you will not subscribe to scrapping the NYSC or even making it optional. But let me say this, reform is a constant thing, and the NYSC is looking at some reforms.”
Dare also said the ministry was working with the National Assembly, on a bill to bring back the National Sports Commission.