The Federal government through the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development has kicked against the bill seeking to scrap the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
The government’s reaction came at a time when legislators at the House of Representatives are debating a bill to scrap the 48-year-old scheme created by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in 1973.
The bill sponsored by Awaji Abiante, a lawmaker from Rivers State had last week, passed through second reading at the green chamber.
The lawmaker seeks to use the bill to amend section 315 (1)(a) of the 1999 constitution.
Abiante said NYSC should be scrapped because the scheme has failed to address the essence of its establishment.
Also, there have been agitations from Nigerians, seeking to scrap NYSC due to insecurity across the country.
However, the Minister of Youths and sports development, Sunday Dare in a post on his official Twitter page said NYSC is one of the greatest tools for National development for Nigerian youths.
He further stated that dynamic reforms and initiatives towards the current realities are ongoing, adding that the Buhari-led government is committed to sustaining the scheme.
He tweeted, ”The NYSC scheme remains one of the greatest tools for National development for our youth.
”The commitment of the government to sustaining the NYSC scheme remains. Dynamic Reforms and Initiatives towards current realities are ongoing. Nigeria will stand with her youth.”
Dare reiterated that the Nigerian government has commenced moves to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).