The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a far-reaching reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing sweeping changes aimed at modernising the 53-year-old scheme and aligning it with the Federal Government’s youth development and economic objectives.
One of the major changes approved by the council is the replacement of the NYSC’s military leadership with a civilian-led management structure, while the military will retain responsibility for providing security to corps members across the country.
To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the reforms are designed to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution capable of equipping young Nigerians for the modern economy.
According to him, the new framework introduces a technology-driven mobilisation process, risk-based deployment of corps members for improved safety, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career development.
The reforms also provide for skills-based primary assignments that align with corps members’ academic qualifications and career aspirations, improved camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniforms to reflect professionalism and national identity.
Olawande explained that the review process began in 2025 through consultations 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 before receiving FEC approval.
He described the reforms as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth, adding that the revamped NYSC would play a greater role in supporting the administration’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by posting graduates to states outside their regions of origin for a compulsory one-year national service. The latest reforms represent the most comprehensive restructuring of the scheme since its establishment.
