ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps, marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
According to a statement on Monday by the Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, the approval marks a major step towards repositioning the NYSC to better serve the country’s youth and meet evolving national development needs.
The minister said, “I am happy to report that the Federal Executive Council today approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history.”
He noted that while the NYSC had remained a symbol of national unity and service for more than five decades, the reforms would prepare the scheme for the future by transforming it into a platform that equips young Nigerians with relevant skills and opportunities.
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“We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
He added that the reforms would reposition 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.
Among the approved reforms 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 a stronger emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
Other reforms include skills-based primary assignments aligned with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career paths, modern governance featuring civilian operational leadership while retaining military security support, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, as well as a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade and redesigned NYSC uniforms aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride.
The statement noted that the reform process began in 2025 through a broad-based, multi-stakeholder 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.
It added that the Federal Executive Council had also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the legal framework for the implementation of the reforms.