Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared that graduates would no longer be required to undergo mandatory National Service should he become the next President of the Republic.
Speaking at the UPSA auditorium on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision to overhaul the current national service scheme to better align with job market demands.
Addressing party supporters and leaders, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need to provide more opportunities for graduates seeking immediate employment after completing tertiary education.
He proposed granting students the option to decide whether to engage in national service or not.
“My government will propose that those who can secure jobs upon completing their education would be exempted from national service,” he stated.
Under the proposed changes, national service would no longer be mandatory, allowing graduates the freedom to choose whether to participate.
“National service will no longer be mandatory and students will have the option to decide whether to do national service. This will also encourage companies to go to campuses for recruitment annually,” the NPP flagbearer promised.
Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence that this adjustment would not only empower graduates but also encourage companies to actively recruit from campuses on an annual basis.