By Anwar Usman
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The reforms, approved during the FEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution in line with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.
A key feature of the overhaul is the restructuring of the scheme’s leadership, with a civilian set to head the NYSC for the first time, while the military will retain its role in providing security for corps members across the country.
The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the approved changes and enable their implementation.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while announcing the approval on X, described the reforms as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.
He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
The Minister further revealed that the approved reforms would reposition the scheme as “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”
According to the minoster, the 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
Other things includes; “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.”
The new reforms represent the first comprehensive review of the scheme since its creation, with the Federal Government saying the changes are designed to make the institution more relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary economic and youth development needs.
