Replace NYSC With Military Service Man Suggests ₦5 Million Package For Graduates

A Nigerian man has proposed replacing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme with a three-year National Military Service programme for fresh graduates, suggesting that participants should receive ₦5 million upon successful completion.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the proposal was shared online, with its author arguing that a military-based service programme could promote discipline, equip young Nigerians with practical skills and strengthen their sense of national responsibility.

The man suggested that the government should consider introducing a National Military Service programme, which he referred to as NNMS, as an alternative to the existing NYSC scheme.

“The Government should consider replacing NYSC with National Military Service (NNMS) for fresh graduates,” he wrote.

Under the proposed arrangement, graduates would commit to three years of structured military training and service, with the possibility of being deployed to areas where military operations are taking place.

The proposal also includes a ₦5 million payment for participants who successfully complete the programme. According to the man, the initiative would require a significant commitment from graduates but could provide benefits beyond the financial reward.

He argued that the programme could help instil discipline, encourage national service, develop practical skills and promote a stronger sense of responsibility among young Nigerians.

The suggestion presents a different approach to Nigeria’s graduate service system by placing greater emphasis on military training, national security and structured service to the country.

However, the proposal has not been presented as an official government policy, and there is no indication in the account that authorities are considering replacing the NYSC scheme with such a programme.

Several issues would need to be addressed before the idea could become a workable policy, including recruitment procedures, training requirements, funding, deployment arrangements and the safety of participants.

The proposed three-year commitment would also represent a major departure from the existing NYSC structure, raising questions about whether graduates would be willing or able to undertake an extended period of military service.

The suggestion has added to discussions about how Nigeria can prepare young graduates for employment, develop useful skills and encourage national responsibility. Whether the proposal will attract serious consideration from policymakers remains to be seen.