The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform package for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing a civilian leadership structure, a redesigned uniform and a six week orientation programme as part of efforts to reposition the scheme for greater efficiency and national development.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting.
He said the council retained the one year duration of national service while approving skills focused training and several other measures aimed at modernising the scheme.
According to the minister, the reforms include digitalisation, a shift in leadership from military to civilian administration and other measures designed to make the scheme more responsive to the country’s development needs.
Olawande described the reforms as the first major review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973, noting that they emerged from consultations involving the Ministries of Youth Development and Education, as well as the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination.
He said the reforms are intended to strengthen national unity, deepen skills development, create jobs 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 also include “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.”
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said specialised cohorts, including a proposed digital corps, may receive additional training and professional certifications before deployment to improve employability and opportunities for self employment.
She added that the NYSC would remain a civilian led scheme, while the military would continue to provide security support for corps members.
FEC also directed Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation, to work with the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to enable the immediate implementation of the approved reforms.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
