By Philomina Attah
Amb. Akoshile Mukhtar, the West Africa Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving major reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), calling it a bold investment.
Mukhtar, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday said that the Federal Executive Council’s approval highlights that youth empowerment remains a core pillar of the current administration’s agenda.
He noted that the new policy represents the most significant transformation of the scheme in fifty years, aligning it with modern labour markets and technology.
According to Mukhtar, the strategic intervention reflects visionary leadership and proves that the government actively listens to the changing aspirations of the nation’s younger generation.
The youth leader also praised the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for his persistent advocacy and commitment to youth-centered governance across the country.
He explained that the Minister has consistently championed impactful policies that effectively prepare young Nigerian graduates for future leadership, innovation, and productive public service.
Mukhtar specifically welcomed the digital transformation of the call-up process, noting it will significantly improve institutional transparency, efficiency, and administrative accountability within the national scheme.
He also lauded the new orientation curriculum focusing on digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and vocational training designed to help corps members succeed in today’s economy.
”The overhauled framework will align primary assignments with academic backgrounds, which will maximise workplace productivity and enhance overall career readiness for participants,” he said.
He stated that upgrading orientation camps and redesigning the official uniform will restore deep professional pride and purpose among all serving corps members.
He added that these comprehensive modernisations position the NYSC as an excellent model to inspire similar sustainable national youth service initiatives across the African continent.
Mukhtar, who is also the Deputy President (North), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), urged the National Assembly to quickly pass required legislative amendments, while calling on private and public stakeholders to support the successful implementation.(NAN)