BREAKING: FG reforms NYSC, introduces new uniform, leadership, skills-focused orientation, others

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the approval on Monday, describing it as a landmark step towards transforming the NYSC into a modern, skills-driven institution that prepares young Nigerians for emerging economic opportunities.

He said the reforms are designed to preserve the scheme’s legacy of promoting national unity while equipping corps members with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed 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 the minister, the approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

Among the key reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council is the introduction of a technology-driven call-up process aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.

The government also approved a risk-sensitive deployment policy to enhance the safety and security of corps members during their national service.

The six-week orientation programme will be redesigned to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams tailored to the needs of the modern economy.

In addition, corps members will now undertake skills-based primary assignments aligned with their academic qualifications and career aspirations.

The reforms also introduce a new governance structure that places the NYSC under civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support during orientation and other activities.

To improve facilities nationwide, the government approved a national grading and certification system for orientation camps to ensure higher operational standards.

The NYSC will also replace its traditional Passing Out Parade with a formal graduation ceremony, while a redesigned uniform reflecting professionalism and national identity will be introduced.

Olawande said the reform process began in 2025 through an extensive stakeholder consultation 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 noted that the approval by the Federal Executive Council marks the culmination of months of consultations and policy reviews.

The minister disclosed that the Council had 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 provide the 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,” Olawande said.