Tinubu Approves Sweeping Reforms for NYSC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established in 1973.

The reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution capable of supporting Nigeria's economic growth and human capital development.

One of the major changes approved is the replacement of military operational leadership with a civilian Director-General, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country. To facilitate the transition, President Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to immediately begin amendments to the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations. 

The reforms also introduce a technology-driven call-up and deployment process to improve transparency, efficiency and credibility while taking prevailing security conditions into account before posting corps members to their places of primary assignment. 

Another key feature is the extension of the orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks. Under the new structure, the programme will be divided into phases focusing on civic responsibility, leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial education, business planning, career development and access to finance, better preparing graduates for the labour market. 

In addition, corps members will now be deployed based on their academic qualifications, professional skills and career interests, replacing the traditional posting system with a more specialised approach. The government also approved the creation of 11 specialised career streams to enhance professional development and improve employability after service.

The reform package further provides for the introduction of a national grading and certification system for orientation camps to improve infrastructure and service delivery nationwide. It also replaces the traditional Passing Out Parade with a new graduation ceremony and introduces a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national pride.

According to the Federal Government, the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a modern institution that promotes national unity while equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and national development in line with the administration's economic vision.