NYSC participants should be allowed to serve in their states and local government – The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere urges FG to restructure NYSC scheme.

 

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the operations of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), advocating a policy shift that would allow corps members to serve within their states of origin or residence. The group argues that such a reform has become necessary in light of the growing security challenges across the country.  READ ORIGINAL 👆.

DETAILS OF AFENIFERE’S REASONS 👇

NYSC participants should be allowed to serve in their states and local government – The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere urges FG to restructure NYSC scheme.

In a statement released by its leadership, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the safety of young graduates deployed to unfamiliar and, in some cases, volatile regions. The organization noted that while the NYSC scheme was originally established to promote national unity and integration following the Nigerian Civil War, current realities have significantly altered the risk landscape, making the scheme increasingly dangerous for participants.

Afenifere emphasized that the increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes in various parts of Nigeria have exposed corps members to avoidable risks. The group maintained that parents and guardians are now apprehensive about the safety of their wards, especially when posted to states far from home with little or no security guarantees.

The organization further argued that allowing corps members to serve within their home states or regions would not only reduce exposure to insecurity but also enhance productivity. According to Afenifere, graduates are more likely to perform effectively in familiar environments where they understand the local language, culture, and socio-economic dynamics. This, they said, could lead to improved community development outcomes.

However, the proposal raises important questions about the future of national cohesion, which remains a core objective of the NYSC scheme. Critics of the suggested reform warn that restricting deployments could weaken inter-ethnic interaction and reduce opportunities for cultural exchange among Nigeria’s diverse population.

In response, Afenifere proposed that alternative mechanisms—such as structured cultural exchange programs, virtual collaborations, and short-term inter-state assignments—could be introduced to preserve the unity-building goals of the scheme without compromising safety.

 

The call by Afenifere adds to a growing national conversation about the relevance and structure of the NYSC program in contemporary Nigeria. As security concerns persist, stakeholders are increasingly urging policymakers to balance the ideals of national integration with the imperative of safeguarding the lives of young Nigerians.

Ultimately, the Federal Government’s response to these calls may determine the future direction of one of Nigeria’s most enduring post-war initiatives.