By our Reporter
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The approval is aimed at repositioning the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Announcing the development, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the reform as a bold step towards preserving the NYSC’s legacy of promoting national unity while preparing young Nigerians for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
According to him, the reforms will transform the scheme into a platform that not only fosters national integration but also equips corps members with practical skills, experience and career opportunities.
Among the key reforms approved by the Council are a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
The new framework also introduces skills-based primary assignments aligned with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while retaining military support for security, and improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system.
In addition, the reforms provide for a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade and a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride.
Olawande noted that the reform process began in 2025 through a broad-based review involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
He added that the Federal Executive Council has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the legal framework for the implementation of the approved reforms.
