Federal Executive Council Approves Major NYSC Reform

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to transform the scheme into a skills-driven, productivity-focused institution aligned with the country’s economic development goals.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision on Monday. He stated that the approval marks the beginning of a full review of the NYSC aimed at repositioning it to meet the country’s current economic and development needs.

According to the minister, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the legal backing required for the implementation of the reforms.

Under the reforms, the NYSC director-general will now be a civilian rather than a serving military officer. The Nigerian military will exclusively handle security architecture.

The scheme will be restructured into 11 specialised streams, including a “Digital Corps”. Participants will receive extended training to earn globally recognised professional certifications.

Olawande explained that the overhaul is intended to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that aligns with President Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

Under the approved reforms, the call-up process will be technology-driven, and corps members will be deployed under a risk-sensitive framework aimed at improving their safety.

The six-week orientation camp programme will also be redesigned to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career pathways.

He added that corps members would be assigned to primary places of assignment based on their academic qualifications and career aspirations to ensure better alignment between service and professional development.

The reforms also include upgrading orientation camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, introducing a formal graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and unveiling a redesigned NYSC uniform to promote professionalism and strengthen national pride.

The minister noted that the review process began in 2025 following consultations 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 before receiving FEC approval.

Describing the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth population, Olawande said the reforms would make the NYSC more responsive to the nation’s evolving economic realities and development priorities.

Please follow and like us: