Proposal for Military-Training of All NYSC Members Gains Traction

Proposal for Military-Training of All NYSC Members Gains Traction

A call has emerged for all members of the National Youth Service Corps to undergo military training as part of their orientation year, in a bid to help address the country’s escalating security challenges. The push, widely circulated by outlets such as Parallel Facts, comes amid growing support for equipping Nigeria’s youth with self-defence and security skills.

In a statement referenced by the proposal, supporters argue that compulsory training for corps members would help build a reserve pool of citizens prepared to respond to security threats if needed. Their position echoes recent comments from the NYSC leadership: in May 2025 the Corps’ chairman indicated that basic military training for corps members is under consideration, though he stressed that any decision would require careful deliberation from stakeholders.

Proponents of the plan point to other countries, such as Israel and South Korea, where youth service or conscription contributes to national defence readiness, arguing that Nigeria, faced with rising insecurity, could benefit from a similar model.

However, the idea remains controversial. Critics of past proposals have warned that turning corps members into a paramilitary pool could blur the line between civic service and the armed forces. Notably, earlier official positions emphasised that NYSC is not a paramilitary organisation, and that its core mandate remains national integration and service, not military enforcement.

At present, no final policy has been enacted: the matter was described by the NYSC leadership as open for debate, with options ranging from optional training to mandatory participation still under discussion.