The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), replacing its military-led operational structure with civilian leadership and extending the orientation camp from three to six weeks.
The reforms, approved at Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, mark the first comprehensive review of the 53-year-old scheme since it was established in 1973.
Under the new arrangement, the NYSC will be headed by civilian leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The council 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 give legal backing to the reforms.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while briefing reporters after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday, said the changes are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
He said the reforms include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career training.
He said corps members will also undertake skills-based primary assignments linked to their academic qualifications and career aspirations.
Other reforms include improved orientation camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform to promote 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,” he said.
Established after the civil war to promote national unity, the NYSC is expected to play a broader role in youth empowerment and economic development under the new reforms.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the reform covers the entire structure and operations of the NYSC.
She said corps members will now be deployed based on their academic background, skills and career interests across 11 specialised streams, including agriculture, education, medical services, technology and digital services, legal services, public service, infrastructure, green economy, enterprise, creative economy, and paramilitary and security.
She said the orientation camp programme would also be restructured.
The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership, while the next two weeks will cover financial literacy, business planning, career development and access to finance.
The final two weeks will provide specialised training based on each corps member’s chosen stream.
Credit: Daily Trust