The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major overhaul of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
Announcing the decision after Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the reforms are designed to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused programme that supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Key highlights of the approved reforms include:
• A technology-driven mobilisation and call-up process to improve transparency and efficiency.
• Safer, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members.
• A redesigned six-week orientation camp with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and career development.
• Skills-based primary assignments aligned with corps members’ academic qualifications and career interests.
• A new governance structure that places a civilian in charge of NYSC operations, while the military continues to provide security support.
• Improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system.
• Replacement of the traditional Passing Out Parade with a graduation ceremony, alongside the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform to promote professionalism and national pride.
According to Olawande, 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.
He added that the FEC has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the legal backing needed for the implementation of the reforms.