FG approves biggest NYSC shake-up in 53 years, removes Military leadership

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing sweeping changes aimed at transforming the 53-year-old scheme into a skills-driven, productivity-focused institution aligned with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.

Among the landmark reforms approved by the council are the introduction of civilian operational leadership for the NYSC, a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members, and a redesigned orientation programme with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital skills and leadership development.

Announcing the approval on Monday, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the decision as the first holistic review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.

“I am happy to report that the Federal Executive Council today approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history,” Olawande said.

According to him, while the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service for over five decades, the reforms are designed to prepare the scheme for future realities by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, experience and opportunities needed in a rapidly evolving economy.

“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. 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,” he stated.

Olawande said the reforms would reposition the scheme 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.”

He listed the key reforms to include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.

Other reforms include skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic backgrounds and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support, improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, as well as a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade and a redesigned NYSC uniform to reflect professionalism and national pride.

The minister disclosed that the reform process 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 said the Federal Executive Council’s approval marked the culmination of months of consultations and policy reviews.

To facilitate implementation, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide the legal framework required for the reforms.

Describing the initiative as a major investment in Nigeria’s future, Olawande said: “This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever.”

Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national integration by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of compulsory national service.

The latest reforms represent the most comprehensive restructuring of the scheme since its inception and are expected to reposition it as a stronger platform for youth development, skills acquisition and national productivity.