The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the approval on Monday, describing the decision as a landmark step towards repositioning the NYSC as a modern, skills-driven and youth-empowering institution.
According to the minister, the reforms are aimed at preserving the scheme’s role in promoting national unity while equipping corps members with the skills, experience and opportunities required to thrive in an evolving global economy.
He said the approved reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by creating a more productive and innovation-driven youth population.
Among the key reforms approved by the Council is the introduction of a technology-driven call-up process designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the mobilisation of corps members.
The Council also approved a risk-sensitive deployment policy to enhance the safety and security of corps members during their service year.
As part of the reforms, the six-week orientation programme will be redesigned with greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams tailored to the needs of the modern workforce.
The minister disclosed that primary assignments would now be aligned with corps members’ academic qualifications and career pathways to improve productivity and professional development.
The reform package also provides for a new governance structure under civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support during orientation and other activities.
In addition, FEC approved the introduction of a national grading and certification system for orientation camps to improve infrastructure and service delivery across the country.Other changes include replacing the traditional Passing Out Parade with a formal graduation ceremony and introducing a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and strengthen national identity.
Olawande said the reform process began in 2025 through a broad-based 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 Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development had been directed by the Federal Executive Council to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide the legal framework for the implementation of the approved reforms.
The minister expressed confidence that the reforms would reposition the NYSC to meet contemporary national development needs while preserving its enduring legacy as a platform for national integration and youth development.
