By Abdullah Oladejo 

Following the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which include plans to extend the orientation camp from three weeks to six weeks and review other aspects of the scheme, mixed reactions have continued to trail the proposal among recent graduates and serving corps members.

While some believe the reforms could improve skills acquisition and better prepare graduates for the labour market, others argue that the government should first address welfare, infrastructure and security challenges affecting corps members.

In separate interviews with IndyPress, recent UI graduates who are now prospective and serving corps members shared their opinions on the proposed changes.

Adekunle Oni, a prospective corps member, said his first reaction to the reforms was disappointment, particularly over the proposed extension of the orientation exercise.

“It wasn’t the kind of good news I expected. I felt that six weeks is too long for orientation.”

Although he was undecided on whether the reforms were necessary, he supported retaining some level of military training.

“The removal of paramilitary training appeals to me because I’m not interested in military activities. However, military personnel should still be present for security and discipline. Completely removing them could encourage indiscipline and abuse.”

Another serving corps member, Adekunle Ayomide, described the proposed removal of paramilitary training as a major concern.

“The drills, parade and military training are what make orientation camp lively. Without them, camp could become boring because only lectures would remain.”

However, he supported extending the orientation camp if it would strengthen the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

“Six weeks would give corps members more time to learn practical skills through SAED.”

On welfare, Ayomde argued that reforms should not come at the expense of corps members’ living conditions.

“The reforms are necessary because the structure has remained largely unchanged for decades but the government must also improve allowances and welfare. Many corps members are posted to places without accommodation, leaving them with extra financial burdens.”

If given the opportunity to advise the Federal Government, he said the NYSC should be reformed rather than abolished.

“The scheme has promoted national unity over the years, but it must evolve to meet the needs of today’s graduates and the economy.”

Another serving corps member, Tijani Abdul, said he welcomed the idea of reforms but remained cautious about some proposals.

“Many Nigerians have long called for reforms so it is encouraging that government is considering changes. However, I still have reservations about certain aspects.”

Abdul said reforms are necessary because many graduates leave school without practical workplace skills.

“If properly implemented, the reforms can better prepare graduates for employment and improve their competitiveness.”

Meanwhile, he opposed extending the orientation camp, arguing that existing facilities are already overstretched.

“Many camps struggle with overcrowding, inadequate facilities and poor living conditions. Rather than extending the duration, the government should improve the quality of the existing three-week programme.”

He also called for improvements in the implementation of SAED, saying practical training at Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) would be more beneficial.

Concerning the welfare issues, he stressed that reforms and improved allowances should go hand in hand.

“If the camp is extended, the government must also improve allowances, camp facilities and the overall welfare of corps members.”

A prospective corps member, Oyeleke Busola, questioned whether extending the orientation programme should be a national priority.

“I was surprised that this is considered a major issue. Personally, the proposed reform doesn’t make much sense to me.”

She argued that extending orientation without improving its quality would have little impact.

“Many activities during orientation don’t address the real needs of graduates. If SAED is the reason for the extension, it should first become more practical and aligned with participants’ career interests.”

Busola maintained that the government should prioritize corps members’ welfare before introducing structural reforms.

“Transportation, accommodation, feeding and security are bigger concerns. Many corps members spend far more than the transport allowance provided, while others struggle financially throughout the service year.”

She also urged the Federal Government to improve security, redesign SAED to provide career-oriented training, make deployment more strategic and strengthen transparency and accountability within the scheme.

“The goal of the NYSC should not be to keep graduates in camp longer but to ensure every aspect of the programme contributes meaningfully to national development and the personal and professional growth of corps members.”

Overall, the responses show that recent graduates are not opposed to reforming the NYSC scheme. However, many believe that extending the orientation camp alone is not enough. For them, any meaningful reform should also address longstanding concerns about welfare, security, infrastructure, and opportunities that better prepare graduates for life after service.