The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development on Monday in a post in which he described the approval as a major milestone in repositioning the NYSC for the future.
Among the package is a new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that will reflect professionalism and national pride.
Olawande stated; “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. 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”.
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According to the Minister, the approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Some of the landmark reforms include: A technology-driven call-up process and risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members. The reform will also include a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
Others are; 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; a new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride.
Olawande recalled that the reform journey began in 2025 through a broad-based, 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 added that the Council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and its regulations to give legal effect to these reforms and enable their implementation.
