The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major review of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the reforms are aimed at aligning the 1973 national service scheme with Nigeria’s current realities and development priorities.
According to Olawande, although the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity by bringing together young Nigerians from different parts of the country for more than five decades, changing national needs have made the reforms necessary.
He said, “Our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of the NYSC to also change.”
Under the approved reforms, the government will introduce a redesigned NYSC uniform to reflect professionalism and national pride. A new graduation ceremony will also replace the traditional Passing Out Parade.
Other changes include a fully technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members to improve their safety, and a revamped 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 match corps members’ academic backgrounds, a national grading and certification system to improve orientation camp standards, and a new governance structure that will place civilian leadership in charge of operations while the military continues to provide security support.
Olawande said the extensive review process began in 2025 and involved multiple stakeholders. He added that the reforms are intended to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that supports the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda.
He said, “For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future.”
To ensure the reforms take effect, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and its regulations.
