The Federal Government has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The approval was granted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting in Abuja on Monday. The reforms are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that aligns with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.
One of the key changes approved is the replacement of military leadership with civilian administration. Under the new arrangement, the NYSC will be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The FEC also 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 legal backing for the reforms and facilitate their implementation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the reforms as the first comprehensive review of the scheme in its 53-year history.
“We are transforming the scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a youth-empowering institution that supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
The approved measures include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career paths.
Other reforms include skills-based primary assignments that align with graduates’ academic backgrounds and career goals, improved camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at promoting professionalism and national pride.
Olawande said the reform process began in 2025 through 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.
“This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people,” the minister said.
Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of mandatory national service.
The Federal Government said the latest reforms are intended to make the scheme more relevant to Nigeria’s current economic realities and youth development needs.
