ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said the ongoing reform of the National Youth Service Corps is aimed at transforming the scheme from a mobilisation programme into one that equips graduates with employable skills, promotes national unity and enhances their prospects of securing jobs after service.
Speaking on behalf of the minister on Thursday, Olawande’s Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council were intended to ensure that “no young graduate leaves the NYSC the same way they entered the scheme.”
He said while the scheme would continue to promote national integration, the government believes the 53-year-old programme must be repositioned to reflect the country’s evolving economic realities.
According to Abdullahi, the reform package will reduce the emphasis on military-style drills during orientation camps, introduce career-focused learning pathways and strengthen security measures for corps members.
READ ALSO:FG Approves NYSC Reforms, Introduces Civilian Leadership, New Uniform
“The NYSC should no longer be seen merely as a mobilisation exercise. It should become a platform that promotes employment, entrepreneurship, productivity and national development while still preserving its original mandate of fostering unity among Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that the reforms became necessary because Nigeria had changed considerably since the NYSC was established in 1973 after the civil war.
Drawing comparisons with national service programmes in Singapore, South Korea and Germany, Abdullahi said Nigeria was repositioning the scheme to combine national service with practical career development.
He added that studies showing many young Nigerians identify first with their religion or ethnicity before identifying as Nigerians highlighted the need to strengthen civic education and patriotism during orientation.
Under the proposed framework, he said the three-week orientation camp would move away from military-style activities and focus instead on civic responsibility, leadership, patriotism and soft skills.
“For decades, orientation camps have emphasised military drills, marching and parade culture. Nigeria is no longer under military rule. We are operating within a democratic environment and believe the orientation programme should prepare graduates for the future rather than replicate military traditions,” he said.
Abdullahi, however, stressed that discipline would remain an integral part of the scheme despite the reduced emphasis on military drills.
He explained that the first two weeks of orientation camp would concentrate on civic responsibility, patriotism, leadership development and national values, while participants would also receive training in soft skills needed in today’s workplace.
On concerns over the safety of corps members, Abdullahi said security was a key component of the reform agenda.
He disclosed that the government planned to adopt a more security-conscious deployment policy by giving priority to indigenous corps members for postings in states facing security challenges before deploying graduates from other parts of the country.
“Where there are security concerns in a particular state, indigenous corps members will be given priority for deployment within that state. We believe people who are familiar with their local environment are generally better positioned while broader security efforts continue,” he said.
Abdullahi also dismissed claims that the military would be removed from the administration of the NYSC.
He explained that although civilian operational leadership would be introduced, one of the proposed executive directors under the new structure would oversee military operations and security matters.
“There has been some misconception that the military will no longer have any role in the NYSC, but that is not correct. One of the executive directors will specifically coordinate military operations and security arrangements for orientation camps and corps members throughout their service year,” he said.
On implementation, Abdullahi said the reform process had already begun following the FEC’s approval.
READ ALSO:Corps Members Not Exempted From Social Media Laws – NYSC DG
He added that Olawande was engaging key stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, to facilitate the legislative amendments required for aspects of the reform.
Although he did not give a specific timeline for completion, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the reforms would be fully implemented within President Bola Tinubu’s first term.
“The President is personally passionate about this reform. Implementation is already ongoing through stakeholder engagement, while legislative processes are progressing. We are determined to complete the reforms within the lifespan of this administration’s first term,” he said.
He also assured prospective corps members that the reforms would not disrupt mobilisation for the 2026 Batch B and Batch C streams.
According to him, the changes would be introduced gradually without affecting the normal service year.
“Nothing about the reform will disrupt the service year of current or prospective corps members. What we are doing is improving the NYSC experience. Rather than being apprehensive, prospective corps members should look forward to a more rewarding programme.
“Our goal is simple: no young graduate should participate in the NYSC and come out the same way they entered,” Abdullahi added.