JUST IN: Tinubu hails landmark NYSC reforms, says youth development remains top priority

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his administration’s comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as the most significant transformation of the scheme since its establishment in 1973, saying it fulfils his promise to create meaningful opportunities for Nigeria’s young people.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, would reposition the NYSC as a platform for skills development, employability, entrepreneurship and national development.

“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973,” Tinubu said.

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“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise.”

The President said the overhaul reflects his administration’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the skills, experience and opportunities required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

The reforms are expected to modernise the NYSC through technology-driven mobilisation, enhanced entrepreneurship and digital skills training, improved camp facilities, skills-based deployment and stronger alignment with national economic priorities.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has commended President Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olawande said the reforms represent the most far-reaching transformation of the NYSC in more than five decades.

“This historic reform marks the most far-reaching transformation of the NYSC since its establishment over five decades ago,” the minister said.

“By repositioning the Scheme from a mobilisation programme to a platform for skills, employability, enterprise and national development, Your Excellency has laid the foundation for a generation of young Nigerians who are better equipped to build, innovate and lead.”

Olawande pledged the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms.

“We are deeply honoured by your confidence in the Ministry of Youth Development and remain fully committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to faithfully implement this bold reform agenda,” he said.

“The future of our youth is brighter because of your leadership, and we will ensure that this vision translates into lasting opportunities and measurable impact for every Nigerian graduate.”

The reforms form part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to reposition the NYSC as a modern, skills-driven institution capable of preparing graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national service while supporting the country’s long-term economic development.