The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved seven major reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including a new uniform and a civilian leadership structure, as part of efforts to reposition the scheme for improved efficiency.
Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, disclosed this on Monday after the weekly FEC meeting, noting that the council retained the scheme’s one-year service duration while introducing skills-based training.
According to him, the reforms also include digitalisation and a shift in leadership from military to civilian administration, among other measures aimed at enhancing the scheme’s contribution to national development.
Olawande said the changes mark the first major review of the NYSC since it was established in 1973, adding that the reforms were developed through consultations involving the ministries of youth development and education, alongside the office of the special adviser to the president on policy coordination.
He explained that the reforms are designed to strengthen national unity, promote skills acquisition, create employment opportunities, and empower young Nigerians.
“The approved reforms will reposition the NYSC 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,” Olawande said.
“Some of the landmark reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
“Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways; modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.”
The reforms will also introduce “improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace passing out parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”
Hadiza Bala-Usman, special adviser to the president on policy coordination, said specialised groups, including a proposed digital corps, may receive additional training to obtain professional certifications before deployment, improving their employability and chances of self-employment.
She added that the NYSC will remain a civilian-led programme, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members.
FEC also directed Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, in collaboration with the ministry of youth development, to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to enable immediate implementation of the approved reforms.