African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has promised to abolish the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a voluntary National Job Corps if elected president in 2027.

Sowore unveiled the proposals in a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, describing them as part of his plans to reform Nigeria’s education and youth development sectors.

Sowore proposes end to JAMB

The  presidential candidate said tertiary institutions should be responsible for admitting their students without going through what he described as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

“When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, JAMB will be abolished. Admission into tertiary institutions should be determined by the institutions themselves under a transparent, merit-based system, not by another layer of bureaucracy,” he wrote.

He argued that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should have greater control over their admission processes while maintaining transparency and merit.

Plans to replace NYSC

Sowore also proposed replacing the current compulsory one-year NYSC scheme with a two-year voluntary National Job Corps.

According to him, the new programme would focus on guaranteed employment, practical skills, entrepreneurship support and pathways to permanent careers.

“Nigeria’s young people do not need more compulsory schemes. They need opportunities, jobs, skills, and the freedom to choose their future,” he said.

His proposal comes days after the Federal Executive Council approved major reforms to the NYSC, including the appointment of civilian leadership and a stronger focus on technology and skills development.

Proposal sparks debate

Sowore’s announcement has generated mixed reactions online.

Supporters described the proposals as bold reforms capable of reducing bureaucracy and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.

Others, however, questioned the feasibility of scrapping JAMB and replacing the NYSC, arguing that both institutions still play important roles in maintaining educational standards and promoting national integration.

The proposals are expected to feature prominently in Sowore’s campaign as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue.

When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:@JAMBHQ will be abolished. Admission into tertiary institutions should be determined by the institutions themselves under a transparent, merit-based system, not by another layer of bureaucracy.

The National Youth… pic.twitter.com/67eVK4zQHl

— Omoyele Sowore (@sowore) July 1, 2026