Is the NYSC Really Extending to Two Years? Inside the Push for Change and What’s Really Happening

Is the NYSC Really Extending to Two Years? Inside the Push for Change and What’s Really Happening

Introduction 

For years, rumors about a potential extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to two years have surfaced intermittently. However, recent claims have once again set social media and news outlets buzzing with speculation about the future of the NYSC program. With no official confirmation or clear statement from the government, how much truth is there to these rumors? Is there a hidden agenda behind this ongoing discussion and what does the current leadership of the NYSC have to say about it?

This investigative report dives deep into the history of the two-year extension proposal, explores the political landscape surrounding the issue, and examines whether there’s any truth behind the claims.

The Two-Year Proposal: A Recurrent Discussion

While the idea of extending the NYSC duration from one year to two is often dismissed as a rumor, it has actually been proposed several times in the past by key figures, particularly in response to Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for youth empowerment.

Former Governor Darius Ishaku’s Call for a Two-Year Service (2021)

In 2021, former Governor of Taraba State Darius Ishaku publicly suggested that the NYSC scheme should be extended to two years—one for military training and another for community service. His statement sparked national debate and was seen by many as a reaction to the rising insecurity in parts of the country. The governor argued that:

“Corps members should be trained in handling weapons… The NYSC should be extended to two years—one for military training and the other for service.”

Despite the governor’s bold suggestion, there was no follow-up action from the federal government or any legislative body to adopt this proposal. The public’s reaction was mixed, with some advocating for the extra training, while others feared it could compromise the core values of the NYSC program.

Dr. Nnamdi Onochie’s Voluntary Extension Proposal (2021)

Another proposal came from Dr. Nnamdi Onochie, an educationist, who suggested that the NYSC should retain the one-year compulsory service, but introduce an optional second year for those who were interested in contributing more to national development. His reasoning was as follows:

“Let those who are passionate about nation-building stay for a second year. They should be supported, not compelled.”

However, this idea, like Governor Ishaku’s, was never officially entertained or acted upon.

The NYSC’s Current Stance: Fact-Check

When the rumor about extending the NYSC service year resurfaces, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) always has to step in to clarify. But what is the current stance of the NYSC leadership?

In March 2025, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu was appointed as the new Director-General of the NYSC. Since assuming office, there has been no official statement or policy shift indicating an intention to extend the service duration beyond the established one-year requirement.

Read also: Education Minister Proposes Two-Year Mandatory NYSC Service to Boost National Development and Skill Acquisition

When asked about the matter, General Nafiu emphasized his focus on corps member welfare, employment initiatives, and modernizing the NYSC to meet current challenges. His key objectives are centered around ensuring that corps members receive the best possible training and support in preparation for post-service careers. However, he has made no mention of any plans to extend the program.

Disciplinary Extensions: What Does the Law Say?

The NYSC scheme is governed by the NYSC Act, which clearly stipulates that the service year lasts 12 months. Any change to this law would require a bill in the National Assembly, followed by presidential assent. This means that, for now, NYSC remains a one-year mandatory program.

However, there are circumstances where a corps member may face an extension of service, but these extensions are not related to the official policy. Instead, they occur as a result of misconduct or disciplinary actions. For example, in January 2025, 39 corps members in Osun State had their service year extended due to absenteeism and other violations. Similarly, Bayelsa State saw 21 corps members face extended service or repeat their year for similar reasons.

These extensions should not be confused with any planned policy changes at the national level.

Is There a Hidden Agenda? Investigating the Political Backdrop

Despite the lack of official action or clear support for a two-year NYSC program, the political dynamics in Nigeria might offer some insight into why the idea continues to resurface.

Security Concerns and Youth Empowerment

Nigeria has faced a growing security crisis in recent years and the idea of training young people in defense skills may appeal to certain political leaders. Governor Ishaku’s proposal, in particular, echoed the increasing frustration with the government’s inability to tackle insurgencies and banditry. In a country where youth unemployment remains high, and political instability is rife, proposals like this might be seen as a way to increase national security while providing additional opportunities for youth development.

But while this proposal may have merit in some eyes, there is a danger that exploiting youth for military training could divert the true purpose of the NYSC, which is to foster national unity and community service. It also raises the question of whether such an extension would place an undue burden on young Nigerians already struggling to find stable employment.

The Role of Media in Amplifying the Issue

The role of social media and mainstream media in amplifying such rumors is significant. Often, claims about policy changes are made without official confirmation, but once they spread through platforms like Twitter and Facebook, they gain traction and credibility. The media’s role in spreading unverified claims contributes to public confusion, especially among young graduates unsure of their future obligations.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind the Two-Year Extension Rumor

Based on thorough investigation, Fusion Chronicle can confirm that there is no official move by the Nigerian government to extend the NYSC service year to two years. The NYSC Act still mandates one year of service and no bill has been passed or proposed to change that. While proposals for a longer service have been made in the past, they have not gained any real traction in legislative or political circles.

The rumor of a two-year extension appears to be rooted in speculation, amplified by some public figures and media outlets, but it is not grounded in any official government action. Therefore, prospective corps members can rest assured that their service year will remain at one year unless there is an official policy change.