FG Approves Major NYSC Reforms, Civilian to Head Scheme as Uniform Gets Redesign
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.
The approval was granted at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday in Abuja as part of efforts to reposition the NYSC into a skills focused, productivity driven institution in line with the Federal Government’s economic agenda.
One of the major changes approved by the council is the replacement of the military leadership of the scheme with a civilian operational head. However, the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The FEC also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the implementation of the reforms.
Announcing the approval, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the development as the first holistic review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.
“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,” Olawande said.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at repositioning 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 minister, the approved reforms 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 emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
He added that the reforms would also introduce skills based primary assignments aligned with graduates’ 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, a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.
Olawande disclosed that 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 before receiving approval from the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” the minister added.
Established in 1973 following the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of compulsory national service.
The latest 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.