From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing far-reaching changes that will see the scheme transition to civilian operational leadership, adopt a redesigned uniform, and implement a host of measures aimed at modernising national service and equipping young Nigerians with skills for national development.
The landmark reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting on Monday, represent the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since the scheme was established 53 years ago.
As part of the restructuring, the President directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to reflect all the approved reforms and provide the legal framework for their immediate implementation.
A key feature of the new framework is the transfer of the NYSC’s operational leadership from the military to civilians, marking a significant shift in the administration of the scheme. However, the Armed Forces will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The Federal Government said the reforms are intended to reposition the NYSC as a skills-oriented, productivity-driven, and youth-empowerment institution capable of supporting the Tinubu administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Among the major innovations is the introduction of a technology-driven call-up process designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the mobilisation of prospective corps members.
The reforms also provide for a risk-sensitive deployment system that will consider prevailing security conditions before corps members are posted, to enhance their safety throughout the service year.
The six-week orientation course will also be redesigned, with greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, innovation, and specialised career pathways, moving beyond the programme’s traditional focus to better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the labour market.
Under the new policy, corps members will receive skills-based primary assignments aligned with their academic qualifications, professional competencies, and career aspirations, a move expected to improve productivity and maximise the impact of national service.
To improve conditions in orientation camps nationwide, the government approved the introduction of a national grading and certification system aimed at raising infrastructure and service delivery standards across all NYSC camps.
In addition, the iconic NYSC uniform will undergo a redesign to reflect professionalism, functionality, and national pride, while the traditional Passing Out Parade at the end of the service year will be replaced with a formal graduation ceremony as part of the comprehensive restructuring of the scheme.
Established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, following the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to foster national reconciliation, integration, and unity by promoting interaction among young Nigerians from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds through compulsory one-year national service.
Over the past five decades, millions of graduates have participated in the programme, serving in education, healthcare, agriculture, public administration, and other sectors across the country.
The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
The latest reforms represent the most significant transformation in the history of the NYSC and underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the scheme as a modern institution focused on skills acquisition, youth empowerment, innovation, national productivity, and sustainable economic growth.
