Nigerians have expressed support for the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly the introduction of skills-based deployment and career development initiatives, while raising concerns about implementation, funding and the planned extension of orientation camp.

Some respondents described the reforms as a step toward making the scheme more relevant to current workforce demands and national development goals.

A civil servant, Jude Ikang, said aligning corps members’ postings with their fields of study and introducing specialised career streams would improve productivity and help graduates develop skills in emerging sectors such as technology, agriculture and the creative industry.

He also advocated continued entrepreneurship and employability training throughout the service year rather than limiting it to the orientation camp.

However, not all respondents supported the proposed extension of orientation camp from three to six weeks.

Gordon Ebuka argued that a longer camp period could expose corps members to additional security risks, adding that specialised skills should be taught during tertiary education rather than within a short camp programme.

Others welcomed the reforms but questioned whether they would be effectively implemented.

Educationist Ikang Enang said government must first address longstanding challenges in orientation camps, including inadequate accommodation, poor sanitation and welfare concerns, before extending the duration of camp activities.

Some respondents also expressed reservations about plans to replace military operational leadership with civilian leadership, while others maintained that competence and accountability should be the priority regardless of who manages the scheme.

The Federal Executive Council recently approved the reforms, which include skills-based deployment, expanded entrepreneurship programmes, improved digital operations, enhanced security measures and changes to the NYSC operational structure.

The government said the reforms are aimed at making the scheme more responsive to Nigeria’s evolving development and workforce needs.