Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history.
Minister for Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, announced the approval on Tuesday, saying the reforms are aimed at preserving the NYSC’s legacy while preparing it for the future by transforming the Scheme into a platform that equips young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
According to the minister, the approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
The landmark reforms include a technology-driven call-up process; risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members; a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams; skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways; modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support; improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system; and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.
Olawande said the reform journey began in 2025 through a broad-based, multi-stakeholder review 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 added that the Federal Executive Council also 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 give legal effect to the reforms and enable their implementation.
