The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving far-reaching reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the initiative as a strategic investment in youth development and national growth.
The praise was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the West Africa Coordinator of the AAYC, Akoshile Mukhtar, on Tuesday.
Mukhtar said the reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls of the NYSC since its establishment over five decades ago.
He noted that the changes align the scheme with modern labour market realities, digital transformation, and Nigeria’s evolving development priorities.
According to him, the initiative reflects a leadership approach focused on long-term youth empowerment and national planning.
The youth leader praised the digitalisation of the NYSC mobilisation process, saying it would improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
He explained that technology-driven reforms would help eliminate bottlenecks and strengthen confidence in the deployment system managed by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Mukhtar also described the updated orientation programme as a positive step, particularly its focus on entrepreneurship, digital skills, and vocational training.
He further commended the planned alignment of corps members’ placements with their academic backgrounds, noting that it would enhance productivity during primary assignments.
Mukhtar said this approach would improve career readiness among graduates while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s workforce development goals.
He also welcomed upgrades to orientation camps and modifications to corps members’ uniforms, saying the changes would restore discipline, pride, and identity within the scheme.
The AAYC coordinator urged the National Assembly to fast-track necessary legal adjustments to support full implementation of the reforms.
He also called on the private sector and development partners to collaborate with government to ensure successful execution of the new NYSC framework.
Mukhtar said the reforms position the NYSC as a potential model for youth service systems across Africa.
