The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Monday in a post on his 𝕏 handle.
Olawande described the approval as a major milestone in repositioning the NYSC for the future while preserving its legacy of national unity.
“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future,” he said.
He said the reforms would transform the scheme into a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1tn economy.
According to the minister, the approved reforms include a technology-driven call-up process and risk-sensitive deployment to improve the safety of corps members.
He added that the NYSC orientation programme would be redesigned into a six-week exercise with stronger emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
Olawande said the reforms would also introduce skills-based primary assignments aligned with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
Other approved changes include improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform reflecting professionalism and national pride.
The minister said the reform process began in 2025 through a multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
He added that FEC had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin amendments to the NYSC Act and its regulations.
“This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,” Olawande said.
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