The Federal Executive Council has approved the biggest overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps since the scheme began 53 years ago.
The changes, approved during Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, are meant to turn the NYSC into a skills-based, productivity-focused programme that supports the Federal Government’s economic plans.
One major change is that the NYSC will now be led by a civilian, while the military will continue providing security 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 rules to give legal backing to the reforms.
Announcing the decision on X, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called it the first complete review of the scheme in its 53-year history.
He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
Olawande said the reforms would make the scheme “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”
The approved changes include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”
According to Olawande, work on the reforms started in 2025 with 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 getting FEC approval.
He added, “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.”
