NYSC Reforms: Lawmaker Philip Agbese Urges President Tinubu to Halt Implementation
Hon. Philip Agbese has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of recent NYSC reforms, citing concerns over national cohesion and the programme's foundational principles.
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House of Representatives member Philip Agbese has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the rollout of recently approved National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms, warning that key changes could threaten national unity and dilute the core mission of the service.
Agbese, who represents a constituency in Benue State, made the appeal in a private letter to the president, according to Legit.ng. In the communication, he expressed concern that the reforms, while potentially well-intentioned, risk altering the foundational ethos of the NYSC, which has served as a tool for national integration since its inception in 1973. 'The essence of the service is being compromised,' Agbese was reported to have said.
The NYSC, established in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, has historically played a critical role in fostering inter-ethnic understanding and national cohesion by deploying graduates to serve in states other than their own. Agbese emphasized that any structural changes to the programme must be approached with caution to preserve its unifying function. 'National cohesion is not a matter to be taken lightly,' he stated, as cited by Legit.ng.
Naija News confirmed that Agbese formally urged the suspension of the reforms, though the specific details of the proposed changes were not disclosed in the available source material. The appeal underscores growing legislative scrutiny over executive policy adjustments affecting national institutions.
As of the latest reports, there has been no official response from the Office of the President regarding Agbese’s request. The call for a pause highlights ongoing debate over how best to modernize public institutions while maintaining their original mandates.