The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing structural, administrative and programme changes aimed at transforming the scheme into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment in 1973. The reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a skills-focused and productivity-driven institution aligned with the Federal Government’s youth development agenda.
Among the approved changes is a new leadership structure under which the NYSC will be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members.
The reforms also include a technology-driven mobilisation process, risk-sensitive deployment to improve corps members’ safety, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and digital skills, and skills-based primary assignments linked to graduates’ academic backgrounds and career paths.
FEC further 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 legal framework for implementing the approved reforms.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande described the approval as the first holistic review of the NYSC in its 53-year history, saying the objective is to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and opportunities while preserving the scheme’s role in promoting national unity. The reform process began in 2025 following consultations involving relevant ministries and government agencies.
According to Olawande, the reforms will transform the NYSC into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution” consistent with the Federal Government’s economic vision.
Other approved measures include improved camp standards through a national grading system, redesigned NYSC uniforms, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and stronger governance structures to modernise the scheme’s administration.
The Federal Government said implementation of the reforms will begin after the necessary legal amendments are completed, describing the overhaul as a significant step toward repositioning the NYSC to meet contemporary national development and youth empowerment objectives.