Lawmaker Opposes NYSC Reform Plans by Federal Government

Philip Agbes, representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State and serving as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has voiced strong opposition to the recent approval of reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme by the federal government. In a statement made on Sunday in Abuja, Agbes warned that the proposed changes could erode the scheme's core objectives, which he believes are vital for Nigeria's national defense policy.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of these reforms. Agbes emphasized that the NYSC, established on May 22, 1973, under the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon as part of post-civil war reconciliation efforts, plays a critical role in fostering national unity.

He argued that restructuring the NYSC in a manner that compromises its foundational ideals and reduces its skill acquisition training would be detrimental to the nation's health and military training of citizens.