Olushola Omogbehin
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
FEC took a holistic review of the scheme being the first since its establishment in 1973 by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Disclosing the development on his X handle on Monday, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the approval of the reform as a major milestone in repositioning NYSC for the future.
He said the reforms are designed to preserve the scheme’s legacy of promoting national unity while transforming it into a platform that equips young Nigerians with the skills, experience and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“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,” Olawande said.
According to him, the reforms would reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Some segments of the approved reform are: a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme.
The reform also lay greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, specialised career streams, as well as the introduction of skills-based primary assignments that is in tandem with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
It also contained a new governance structure featuring civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.
Government also approved improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, alongside the introduction of a graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade. A redesigned NYSC uniform reflecting professionalism and national pride was also approved.
According to Olawande, the reform process started in 2025 through an extensive multi-stakeholder review 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 said that the Federal Executive Council had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the necessary legal framework for implementing the reforms.
“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,” he said.
