The federal executive council (FEC) has approved a civilian leadership structure and new uniform for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in seven key reforms to reposition the scheme for greater efficiency.
Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, told State
House correspondents on Monday after the weekly FEC meeting that the council
maintained the scheme’s one‑year duration and introduced
skills‑based
training.
Other reforms, according to him, include digitalisation and
change of leadership structure from military to civilians, among other measures
to reposition the scheme for national development.
The minister said the reforms are the first major review of
the NYSC since its creation in 1973, noting that they were developed through
consultations with 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 aim to strengthen national unity, boost
skills development, create jobs and empower youth across the country.
“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 reform also includes “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 cohorts, including a proposed digital
corps, may undergo additional training to obtain professional certifications
before deployment, improving employability and prospects for self‑employment.
She noted that NYSC will remain a civilian‑led
scheme while the military will continue to provide security for corps members.
FEC directed Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the
federation, in conjunction with the ministry of youth development, to amend the
NYSC Act and its regulations to enable immediate implementation of the approved
measures.
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