Renowned political economist and jurist Professor Anthony Kila has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed NYSC reforms, describing them as “a wrong step in the right direction” and urging a complete redesign of the scheme instead of what he considers minor administrative changes.
In his essay titled ‘NYSC Reforms are a Wrong Step in the Right Direction,’ Professor Anthony Kila said reforming the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is necessary because Nigeria has changed significantly since the scheme was introduced in 1973. However, he argued that the current NYSC reforms fail to address the programme’s core purpose.
“There is no doubt that reforming the NYSC is the right course of action. “The tragedy is that what has been presented as reform is, regrettably, a misstep in the right direction,” he stated.
Using the metaphor “the elephant giving birth to a rat,” Kila said many Nigerians expected bold and meaningful NYSC reforms but received only modest adjustments. He argued that the proposals focus on extending orientation camps and adding new training modules instead of redefining national service for a country shaped by technology, insecurity, entrepreneurship and changing work patterns.
The professor also rejected suggestions that graduates need another stage of basic formation after university, stating, “Graduates are not clueless street urchins waiting for the government to civilise them.” He further warned that the current system encourages many young people to seek preferred postings through personal connections, adding, “Their first lesson in adult civic life is not service. It is gaming the system.”
As an alternative, Professor Anthony Kila proposed replacing compulsory service with a prestigious voluntary national service programme. He said participants should choose postings at least 100 kilometres from home, complete measurable community development projects and receive training in leadership, civic education, emergency response, project management, physical fitness and basic military preparedness.
Kila also dismissed calls to change the NYSC uniform, insisting, “There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the khaki. Uniforms do not create patriotism. Purpose does.” He urged the government to consult universities, employers, security experts, former corps members, community leaders and young Nigerians before introducing any major NYSC reforms.
Do you agree that the NYSC reforms should focus on redesigning the scheme instead of making small administrative changes?
