President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced far-reaching reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the changes as the most significant since the scheme’s establishment in 1973.
He made the announcement during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, noting that the reforms align with his administration’s promise to create meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians.
Tinubu said the NYSC, which has served as a symbol of national unity for 53 years, remains important but must now evolve to meet the demands of a modern economy driven by innovation, skills, and productivity.
According to him, Nigeria’s youth—who make up nearly 70 per cent of the population—are central to the country’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy, and should be empowered as key drivers of national development.
Under the new framework, the NYSC orientation programme will be extended to six weeks and redesigned to include civic responsibility, leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial skills, and career readiness.
Corps members will also receive specialised training aligned with their academic backgrounds and career pathways, including sectors such as agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, creative industries, and security services.
The President further announced that deployment under the scheme will now be guided by risk assessments, prioritising safety while ensuring fairness in postings, especially for indigenes and residents of affected areas.
Tinubu also disclosed that the call-up process will become technology-driven, while corps members’ primary assignments will be better matched with their skills and qualifications.
On governance, he said the NYSC will now be led by a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, including one responsible for security services drawn from the military or paramilitary.
He added that orientation camps will be subjected to a national grading and certification system, while states will be required to meet minimum operational standards.
The President also confirmed that the Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony, reflecting the enhanced training and skills acquisition corps members will now receive.
Tinubu commended the Minister of Youth Development, the Office of Policy Coordination, the Federal Ministry of Education, and members of the reform committee for their work on the initiative.
He directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and related regulations to enable full implementation of the reforms.
