The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved far-reaching reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing a civilian leadership structure, a redesigned uniform and an expanded six-week orientation programme aimed at modernising the scheme and equipping young Nigerians with practical skills.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the reforms while briefing journalists after the weekly FEC meeting on Monday.
He said the council retained the existing one-year national service period but approved a series of changes designed to transform the NYSC into a more skills-driven and development-oriented institution.
According to Olawande, the reforms include the digitalisation of key operational processes, a transition from military to civilian operational leadership and a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship, technology and career development.
He described the initiative as the most comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973, noting that the recommendations emerged from extensive consultations involving the Ministries of Youth Development and Education, as well as the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination.
The minister said the new framework is intended to promote national unity, enhance employability, stimulate entrepreneurship and prepare young Nigerians to contribute more effectively to national development.
Among the approved measures are a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members to improve their safety, and a redesigned orientation programme with greater focus on leadership development, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and specialised career pathways.
The reforms also provide for skills-based primary assignments that align corps members’ academic qualifications with their career aspirations and areas of expertise.
In addition, the council approved improved standards for orientation camps through a national grading and certification system, the replacement of the traditional passing-out parade with a formal graduation ceremony, and the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national identity.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said the reforms would also create specialised service streams, including a proposed Digital Corps, where participants may receive additional professional training and certifications before deployment to enhance their employability and self-employment opportunities.
She clarified that while the NYSC would remain under civilian leadership, the military would continue to provide security support for corps members during orientation and deployment.
To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations.
The proposed amendments would provide the legal framework required for the immediate rollout of the approved changes.
