MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE FOR NIGERIAN YOUTHS: A NEW DAWN OR ANOTHER PIPE DREAM?

 MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE FOR NIGERIAN YOUTHS: A NEW DAWN OR ANOTHER PIPE DREAM?


By Tijjani Sarki 

 Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst

17th October ,2025


As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, youth unemployment, and a widening national identity crisis, the call for mandatory military service for Nigerian youths feels both timely and necessary. I believe this initiative, if well-structured and transparently managed, could mark a pivotal shift in our national development narrative.


Beyond the military aspect, this proposal presents a unique opportunity to reshape the mindset of our young population to instill discipline, promote civic consciousness, and provide practical skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive, fast-evolving world.


Reimagining National Service for Impact.


Unlike the current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which many would agree has outlived its original purpose this new model would not involve sending youths to various states or ministries. Rather, it envisions a full-year, residential bootcamp-style program focused on military training, civic education, and hands-on skill acquisition in areas such as ICT, agriculture, construction, creative arts, and entrepreneurship.


I am of the opinion that the program should be strictly open to Nigerian youths aged 18 and above, ensuring that participants are legally adults and mentally ready for the rigor and responsibility the training demands. This age requirement is not merely administrative, it aligns with global best practices and supports the goal of molding responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society.


Countries like South Korea and Israel have long harnessed similar national programs not just for defense, but for civic unity and personal development. Nigeria can certainly learn from them  but more importantly, we must build a homegrown model tailored to our realities.


This new service could replace the largely ineffectual National Directorate of Employment (NDE), which many now view as a poorly managed empowerment agency. Instead of funnelling billions into disconnected job schemes, these funds could be redirected into a coordinated, monitored, and accountable national service program with clearly defined outcomes.


Post-Service Support: Turning Training into Livelihoods.


One of the strongest features of this idea, in my view, is the potential to provide seed capital or start-up grants at the end of the service year. Graduates of the program, armed with technical or entrepreneurial skills, should be supported to start businesses, cooperatives, or community-based projects. This would directly address youth unemployment and stimulate local economic activity far more than token empowerment packages ever could.


Additional suggestions for actualizing this include:


Collaboration with private sector players to provide mentorship and incubation support post-service.


Access to soft loans through microfinance institutions or Bank of Industry partnerships.


Incorporation of digital tracking and performance evaluation systems to monitor trainees' progress and outcomes.



Challenges That Must Be Addressed.

Of course, no proposal of this scale is without significant hurdles.


Corruption remains the biggest threat. We must acknowledge the risk that this initiative, like many before it, could fall prey to mismanagement, nepotism, or bureaucratic bloat. For this reason, I strongly believe that transparency and accountability must be woven into the fabric of its design. Leveraging digital tools for recruitment, reporting, and fund disbursement can help curb leakages and build public trust.


Infrastructure is another serious concern. Establishing and maintaining national training camps with adequate health care, feeding, accommodation, and modern facilities will require a deliberate strategy and sustained investment. However, with strategic partnerships involving the military, private sector, NGOs, and international development partners, these hurdles can be overcome. Nigeria is not lacking in resources, we’re often just lacking in will.


Many have rightly asked: What happens to NYSC?


I am of the view that this proposed military-civic service should replace NYSC entirely. Truth be told, NYSC no longer serves its intended purpose of promoting national integration or equipping youth for the future. Today, too many graduates view it as a perfunctory rite of passage a “gap year” that delivers little value.


It is time we stopped pretending. The moment calls for a bold transition to a more relevant, impactful model of youth engagement and national development.


A Bold But Necessary Leap.

Mandatory military service will not solve all of Nigeria’s problems. But I believe it is a necessary policy shift if we are truly serious about improving national security, fostering unity, and empowering young people.


This isn’t about forcing youths to carry rifles. It is about building character, competence, and a sense of national responsibility. It’s about crafting a new Nigerian identity, one that is disciplined, skilled, and solution-oriented.


Let us not dismiss this vision as another pipe dream. With the right leadership, clear legal frameworks, community buy-in, and unwavering commitment to integrity, this could well be the beginning of a new dawn for Nigerian youth.


Let us dare to dream differently. Let us dare to build boldly  and responsibly.



 Tijjani Sarki

Good Governance Advocate & Public Policy Analyst

Vice President 

Human right watch and youth empowerment Foundation,Nigeria

Wrote from Kano.

abdullahisarkitijjani@gmail.com

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