NYSC Gets Civilian Operational Leadership as FEC Approves Extensive Reforms
...Military to Continue Providing Security Support
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved comprehensive reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the introduction of a modern governance structure with civilian operational leadership.
However, the military will continue to provide security support, while camp standards will be improved through a national grading and certification system.
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed that the FEC gave the approval on Monday, describing it as the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history.
Olawande noted that, for over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service.
“Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future. 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,” he said.
The Minister explained that the approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
The reforms also 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.
Other reforms include skills-based primary assignments aligned with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career pathways, as well as 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 journey began in 2025 through a broad-based, multi-stakeholder 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.
“Today, that hard work has received the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council,” he stated, adding that the Council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and its regulations to give legal effect to the reforms and enable their implementation.
He emphasised that the development is more than a reform of an institution, describing it as an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset — its young people.
“The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,” he added.
