By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved the most far-reaching reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its establishment in 1973, paving the way for a fundamental restructuring of the 53-year-old scheme to align it with Nigeria’s changing economic realities and youth development needs.
The landmark decision, taken at the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, signals the Federal Government’s determination to transform the NYSC from a mobilisation-focused programme into a modern, skills-driven institution capable of preparing young graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national productivity.
*Approves civilian leadership, skills reforms 53 years after establishment
One of the most significant changes approved by the council is the replacement of the military-led operational structure with civilian leadership.
At the same time, the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The new arrangement is expected to redefine the scheme’s management philosophy without altering its core national service mandate.
To give the reforms legal force, FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to immediately commence amendments to the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the reforms were informed by the need to reposition the scheme for present-day realities.
“Our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of the NYSC also to change,” the minister said.
According to him, the reforms aim to make the scheme more responsive to the country’s economic aspirations by equipping graduates with practical skills that can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.
The Federal Government said the overhauled NYSC will serve as a productivity-driven platform that prepares young Nigerians for the modern labour market while supporting the Tinubu administration’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The approved framework also introduces broader institutional changes designed to improve efficiency, transparency and the welfare of corps members.
Among the measures are a fully digital call-up system, enhanced security arrangements, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with specialised career and skills training, stronger collaboration with state governments on orientation camp facilities, and a restructured management system headed by a civilian Director-General supported by executive directors.
The passing-out parade is also expected to be redesigned as a graduation ceremony, while corps members will receive a modernised NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and the scheme’s evolving identity.
The reform marks the culmination of a process that began in May 2025 when the Federal Government inaugurated a high-powered committee comprising representatives of relevant ministries, the private sector and development stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of the scheme.
The committee was mandated to examine longstanding concerns over corps members’ safety, graduate employability, funding and the overall relevance of the NYSC in contemporary Nigeria.
Established shortly after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by deploying graduates to states other than their own for one year of compulsory national service.
Over the decades, however, the programme has faced growing criticism over security challenges, delays in mobilisation, inadequate infrastructure, rising operational costs and concerns that many corps members are underutilised during service.
These concerns have fuelled repeated calls from stakeholders for a comprehensive review of the scheme.
The latest reforms also build on recent government measures to strengthen the scheme, including the approval of an additional 50,000 mobilisation slots to address the growing backlog of graduates awaiting national service and to improve overall planning.
