Nigeria’s Minister of Youth, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called for a significant overhaul of the orientation camp schedule. Speaking at the 2025 Annual Management Conference in Abuja on April 7, 2025, the minister urged NYSC management to scrap the grueling 4:00 AM daily drills, proposing a later start time of 7:00 AM to prioritize corps members’ rest and productivity.
The conference, themed “Transforming the NYSC Scheme to Meet the Yearnings of the Contemporary Nigerian Graduates and Society,” underscored the need for change in a program impacting nearly 480,000 graduates annually.
A Call for Rest and Recharge
Olawaande’s proposal centers on improving the welfare of NYSC corps members during their mandatory 21-day orientation camp. He argued that shifting the start of physical drills from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM would allow participants to get adequate sleep, boosting their energy and mental sharpness.
“The NYSC members should be allowed to start their drilling by 7:00 AM and not 4:00 AM,” he stated, emphasizing that well-rested graduates are better equipped to engage actively in camp activities. This shift, he believes, aligns with the program’s core mission of fostering unity in diversity while adapting to modern demands.
The minister has already initiated consultations with NYSC stakeholders to implement this change, signaling a proactive approach to youth welfare. “When you are active, when you are doing research, when you are doing things differently… how can you be lazy?” he asked, highlighting the need for a refreshed mindset among corps members to tackle contemporary challenges.
Redefining the Purpose of Drills
While acknowledging the role of drills in promoting discipline and unity, Olawande questioned their current intensity and timing. “Is drilling the purpose for us to do things? Of what purpose is drilling to us?” he remarked during his address.
He clarified that drills should remain part of the NYSC experience but stressed that their execution must evolve to support broader goals. “We are not saying drilling should not be there. Drilling should be there,” he added, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes both physical training and intellectual growth.
This perspective reflects a growing sentiment that the NYSC must move beyond tradition to address the needs of today’s graduates. Olawande’s vision is to “recharge the brain” of corps members, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s job market and society at large.
Bridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Job Market
A key driver behind the minister’s reform push is the stark reality facing NYSC graduates. With approximately 480,000 corps members entering the workforce annually, Olawande criticized the lack of progress in job creation and economic viability.
“Since when we’ve been drilling, are we viable in the job market? We can’t continue to be putting people out every year… and no improvement,” he said. He pointed to the absence of jobs, housing, and institutional support as evidence of a broken system in need of innovation.
By adjusting the orientation camp structure, the minister aims to equip corps members with the tools to think “outside the bus” – a metaphor for breaking free from outdated practices. “If you want a different result, you cannot have it by doing the same thing every time,” he asserted, calling for a forward-thinking approach to youth development.
Leadership and Energy for Change
Olawande praised the enthusiasm of NYSC directors present at the conference, noting their renewed vigor to enact reforms. “The energy is back, and they want to do the right thing,” he said, suggesting that this collective momentum could transform the scheme. While acknowledging past efforts, he emphasized that the focus now is on doing “more” to meet the aspirations of Nigerian youth.
As consultations continue, the minister’s dedication to enhancing the NYSC experience signals a potential turning point for the program. His push to end early morning drills is not just about rest, it’s about reimagining how Nigeria prepares its graduates for a rapidly changing world.