Mandatory Military Training in Nigeria? Former COAS Proposes It Should Begin with NYSC Members.

Mandatory Military Training in Nigeria? Former COAS Proposes It Should Begin with NYSC Members.

The Nigerian World.

The news as it trends.

At the 50th anniversary of the NDA Regular Course 18 Alumni Association on July 4, 2025, retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, proposed introducing mandatory military training for all Nigerian citizens—starting with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He cited Nigeria’s current security challenges and emphasized the need to foster unity, discipline, and resilience.

While the proposal is not yet official policy, it has sparked widespread discussion across Nigerian blogs and social media.

Some critics argue that NYSC and military service serve fundamentally different purposes, and that conscripting corps members into military training could blur those lines.

Others support the idea, saying it could promote patriotism and national preparedness.

However, the proposal appears to be receiving mixed reactions—particularly among Nigerian youth.