The Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, has raised concerns about the relevance of early morning drills in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps, urging the NYSC management to reconsider the practice. Speaking during a recent meeting with the leadership of the NYSC, the Minister questioned the overall purpose of the early morning physical drills, which have long been a staple in the NYSC training regimen.
The NYSC scheme, which was established to foster national unity and integrate Nigerian youth, has been known for its strict physical activities, including morning drills, marches, and other military-style exercises. These activities, designed to instill discipline and promote physical fitness among the corps members, are traditionally scheduled early in the morning as part of the camp orientation. However, the Minister’s comments have sparked a debate about whether these drills truly serve their intended purpose or whether they need to be reassessed.
“What is the real benefit of these early morning drills? Are they truly necessary for the corps members’ personal development or are they just a routine?” the Minister asked during the meeting, adding that there may be more effective ways to promote fitness and discipline without causing undue physical strain on the young participants.
According to sources close to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Minister’s suggestion stems from a growing concern about the physical and psychological well-being of the corps members. Many participants have expressed frustration about the intensity and timing of these drills, which typically begin at the crack of dawn. Some have pointed out that the early morning activities often leave them feeling exhausted and less able to focus on other aspects of the orientation program, such as lectures and skills training.
The Minister’s remarks are seen as part of a broader push for the NYSC to modernize its orientation camps and make them more relevant to the needs of today’s youth. He suggested that the NYSC focus on more targeted, engaging activities that align with the interests and aspirations of corps members, as well as the evolving demands of the labor market. This could include workshops on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, leadership, and career development, which have become increasingly important in a rapidly changing global economy.
In response to the Minister’s call, some stakeholders within the NYSC have agreed that it may be time to rethink certain aspects of the orientation program. A few officials have acknowledged that the early morning drills may have outlived their usefulness in the context of the modern-day challenges faced by corps members, many of whom are highly educated and eager to acquire practical skills that can help them succeed in the workforce. There is also growing concern about the health risks associated with the physical strain caused by these early morning exercises, particularly in regions with extreme weather conditions.
While some have supported the Minister’s suggestion, others within the NYSC camp argue that the drills serve a critical purpose in fostering unity, discipline, and team spirit among the corps members. These exercises, they argue, help to build camaraderie and prepare young Nigerians for the challenges they may face in the professional world. Additionally, they are seen as a way to promote physical fitness, an essential component of the overall development of the youth.
The debate surrounding early morning drills in the NYSC camps is not a new one. In the past, there have been calls for reforms to the orientation program, including the reduction of the military-style activities that many believe are no longer necessary. However, with the Minister’s recent comments, it seems that the issue is now receiving greater attention at the highest levels of government.
For many young Nigerians, the orientation camp is their first taste of structured discipline outside the academic setting, and the early morning drills have long been an integral part of that experience. The practice is meant to symbolize the beginning of their service to the nation and prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. But with changing attitudes toward fitness and well-being, there is now a shift in how these activities are perceived and whether they align with the modern ideals of self-care and personal development.
If the NYSC follows through with the Minister’s recommendation, it could signal a new era for the orientation program, one that places greater emphasis on personal growth, skills acquisition, and mental health, rather than just physical endurance. Such a shift would be in line with current trends among youth development organizations worldwide, which increasingly focus on holistic approaches to personal development.
As discussions continue within the NYSC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, it remains to be seen whether the early morning drills will be completely phased out or if they will simply be modified to better suit the needs of today’s corps members. Regardless of the outcome, the conversation highlights the ongoing evolution of the NYSC and its efforts to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.
In the coming weeks, it is expected that further consultations will take place to explore how best to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that the NYSC continues to provide valuable experiences for Nigeria’s youth while meeting their modern-day needs and expectations.
