The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of seven major reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the introduction of civilian leadership, a redesigned uniform, and expanded skills development programmes aimed at improving the scheme’s effectiveness.
Speaking after Monday’s FEC meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the government has retained the one-year service period while introducing reforms designed to make the programme more relevant to national development.
According to him, the approved changes represent the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since it was established in 1973. The reforms were developed through consultations involving the Ministry of Youth Development, the Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination.
Olawande explained that the new measures are intended to strengthen national unity, promote job creation, improve skills acquisition, and empower young Nigerians.
Among the approved reforms are a technology-driven call-up system, safer deployment strategies that consider security risks, and an upgraded six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership development, digital skills, and specialised career pathways.
The government also approved skills-based primary assignments that will better align corps members with their academic qualifications and career interests. While the NYSC will now operate under civilian leadership, the military will continue providing security support for the scheme.
Other changes include improved orientation camp standards 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 new NYSC uniform designed to reflect professionalism and national identity.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said specialised groups, including a proposed Digital Corps, may receive additional professional training and certifications before deployment to enhance their employability and support self-employment opportunities.
To facilitate the immediate implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations.
