The call to turn NYSC into mini soldiers came from Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo during a TV interview, where he asked the Federal Government to add security and combat-style training to the NYSC programme. He said young people should be trained to act at the slightest sign of trouble, even if it is just someone smoking hemp.
This strange suggestion came while he was trying to support the government’s effort to fight insecurity. But the statement left many Nigerians confused, angry, and honestly asking how a cleric could make such a risky proposal.
What Ashimolowo Actually Said
During the programme, he said NYSC members should be trained “to swing into action” when they see anything suspicious. He also asked citizens to support the president and the push for more policing and more soldiers.
He compared Nigeria to Israel, saying Israel uses 18-year-olds in their army and that Nigeria should follow that model. He insisted that training NYSC members would build vigilance and improve internal security.
He also warned that state police could be abused by politicians, turning them into private armies.
Why This Call Makes No Sense
This call sounds bold on TV, but in real life, it is careless. It ignores how dangerous Nigeria is and how unprotected corps members already are. NYSC members are posted to places where even trained soldiers fear to go. Many of them have been kidnapped, attacked, or even killed in the past. Yet the solution he is suggesting is to give them combat-style responsibilities.
If he believes this idea is so good, would he allow his own children—those who served or are serving—to carry guns and chase criminals? It is easy to talk about bravery when your own loved ones are safe behind security gates abroad or in protected estates.
NYSC Is Not a Military Academy
NYSC was created for national unity, education, and community service, not for warfare. Turning fresh graduates into some type of mini battalion will not fix insecurity.
In fact, it will only create more victims. These young people are not trained for risk. They are not armed. They are not protected. They are not even properly paid. Even soldiers, with full training, still fall to terrorists every week.
So what exactly does he think will happen to a corps member with just three weeks of camp drills?
He Used Israel as an Example
Israel trains young people because the country has a well-structured security system, compulsory service backed by strong laws, and a stable economy to support it.
Nigeria does not have that.
Nigeria can barely protect trained soldiers.
Nigeria cannot even secure highways.
Nigeria cannot protect schools or farms.
So why drag NYSC members into a fight they did not start and are not ready for?
What Nigerians Need Is Leadership
Instead of making loud suggestions on TV, leaders—religious or political—should focus on pushing the government to fix the basics:
•Increase real security presence
•Stop corruption in security budgets
•Equip the police properly
•Support intelligence gathering
•Strengthen community policing
•Protect schools, roads, and rural communities
This is what will reduce violence, not using unarmed youths as a security shortcut.
This whole talk shows a sad truth: many influencers in Nigeria are disconnected from the actual struggle of ordinary people. It is easy to call for courage when you do not face the danger. It is easy to demand sacrifice when you are not the one being sacrificed.
His comment feels careless because it ignores the pain NYSC families already carry. Many parents cry every year when their children are posted to high-risk states. Many graduates are scared throughout their service year.
Adding “mini-soldier duties” will only increase the fear.
Nigeria Needs Protection, Not Performances
The idea to turn NYSC into mini soldiers may sound bold to some, but for most Nigerians, it sounds reckless. It does not solve insecurity; it only throws innocent youths into the fire.
Nigeria has enough trained forces to fight crime. What is missing is proper leadership, coordination, and accountability.
Bottom Line
The suggestion to turn NYSC into mini soldiers should never be considered as a real policy. It ignores the suffering of young Nigerians and tries to use them as a quick fix for a deep security crisis. Nigeria needs strong security reform, not a generation of graduates forced into danger.
