Jul 5, 2026

NYSC Must Become Voluntary – Prominent Scholar Prof. Anthony Kila Sparks Fierce Debate

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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LAGOS, Nigeria — As Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) marks over five decades of existence, a prominent scholar has ignited fresh controversy by arguing that the once-revered programme should no longer be compulsory.

In a candid appearance on ARISE News, Prof. Anthony Kila, Director of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, made a compelling case for radical reform—or outright voluntarism—to save the scheme from obsolescence and recurring tragedies.

“Let those who genuinely want to serve participate in NYSC, and let’s focus on making the programme safe and worthwhile for them,” Kila stated.

He highlighted how the mandatory nature of the scheme has created unintended consequences, including the exploitation of postings for personal gain and unmerited career advantages.

A Programme Born of Unity, Tested by Reality

Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War to promote national integration, the NYSC was designed to expose young graduates to different cultures, foster unity, and build character through service in states other than their own. For generations, “corpers” have taught in rural schools, served in hospitals, and contributed to community development.

Yet, in recent years, the programme has faced mounting criticism. Insecurity in certain parts of the country has turned postings into life-threatening assignments, with several corps members losing their lives or suffering trauma.

Parents and graduates frequently lament inadequate security, poor welfare, and incidents of sexual harassment or exploitation.

Prof. Kila pointed to a deeper systemic issue: the programme’s mandatory status allows some to leverage connections for favorable deployments, undermining the very meritocracy Nigeria desperately needs.

“The truth many people aren’t saying,” he noted, “is that there are people in this country who use NYSC as a way to secure placements or opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise get.”

Calls for Reform Gain Momentum

Kila’s position aligns with a growing chorus of voices — including former participants, educators, and policymakers — advocating for a comprehensive overhaul. Suggestions include:

- Making participation voluntary while enhancing incentives for those who serve.

- Prioritizing safety through rigorous risk assessments and secure posting zones.

- Strengthening orientation programmes with life skills, entrepreneurship, and digital training.

- Introducing technology-driven monitoring and improved stipends to reflect current economic realities.

Supporters of the mandatory model counter that compulsion ensures broad national exposure and prevents the scheme from becoming an elitist or regional programme.

They argue that scrapping or softening it could weaken efforts at national cohesion in an already fragmented society.

A National Conversation Nigeria Cannot Ignore

The debate comes at a critical time. With youth unemployment remaining high and insecurity persisting across regions, questions about the relevance and safety of mandatory national service have never been more pressing.

Many young Nigerians view the programme as both a rite of passage and an unnecessary risk, while others cherish the friendships, skills, and sense of duty it fosters.

Prof. Kila’s intervention on ARISE News underscores a broader truth: after 53 years, the NYSC must evolve or risk losing legitimacy.

Whether policymakers heed these calls for reform — making the scheme safer, more merit-based, and truly voluntary for willing participants — could define its future relevance in a rapidly changing Nigeria.

As the conversation intensifies, one thing remains clear: the sacrifices of past corpers and the aspirations of future ones deserve more than political inertia.

Nigeria owes its youth a national service programme that unites and empowers — not one that endangers or disappoints.