The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the most significant restructuring of the scheme since its establishment over five decades ago.
The reforms, approved during Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a modern, skills-driven institution that supports youth development and aligns with the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda.
One of the major changes is the appointment of a civilian to lead the NYSC, replacing the long-standing military leadership structure. However, the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the FEC 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 the necessary legal framework.
Announcing the decision on his X account, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC in its 53-year history.
According to him, the reforms are designed to transform the scheme into a platform that not only promotes national unity but also equips young Nigerians with practical skills, work experience, and career opportunities needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Olawande said the revamped NYSC will support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by becoming a skills-focused, productivity-driven, and youth-empowering institution.
The approved reforms include a technology-driven call-up system, risk-based deployment of corps members to enhance their safety, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and specialised career development.
Other key changes include assigning corps members to primary places of assignment based on their academic qualifications and career goals, introducing civilian operational leadership while retaining military security support, improving orientation camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, replacing the traditional Passing Out Parade with a graduation ceremony, and unveiling a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride.
The minister explained that the reform process began in 2025 through extensive 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 before receiving FEC approval.
He described the reforms as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth, expressing confidence that the changes will make the NYSC more relevant, impactful, and better positioned to prepare young graduates for the future.
Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to foster national integration by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for a compulsory one-year national service.
The newly approved reforms represent the first comprehensive overhaul of the scheme, with the government saying they are intended to strengthen its relevance in addressing Nigeria’s current economic and youth development priorities.
