The former INEC boss gave a speech where he highlighted the progress of the system but called for proper repositioning to make it relevant. Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has called for an overhaul of the National Youth Service  (NYSC) system, a voluntary program for Nigerian graduates. 

  He spoke at  the NYSC 50th anniversary commemoration on Monday, which was attended by past and present chief officers of the system. 

 The Golden Jubilee themed "Five Decades of Promotion of Unity and Development" was also attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare; Chairman, NYSC Governing Council, Fatima Abubakar; service managers; and association members, e.g. Jega, who was the guest speaker at the event, argued that the Federal Government should make the scheme more affordable for Nigerian youths, adding that if it is mandatory, it should be in line with global best practices. In the lecture, he highlighted the successes of the system, but called for proper repositioning to update it. However, not everyone agreed with Jega as some others felt that the NYSC has lived up to the essence of its establishment in the last five decades, especially in terms of community development. 

  For the Chairperson of the NYSC Council, Fatima Abubakar,  President Muhammadu Buhari's assent to the NYSC  Fund Act would bring about significant change. 

 Recognizing the significant contribution of the system to the development of the country, recommendations were also made to harmonize the system to meet global best practices.  This will help better Nigeria in the near future 

 

 Redesign NYSC Scheme As Voluntary Graduate Programme, Jega Advises FG

The party also gave an opportunity to participants  to reflect on the core of the system, namely national unity and integration.