FG Approves Major NYSC Overhaul, Scraps Military Leadership, Unveils New Uniform
The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the first major restructuring of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago in 1973
The reforms, approved at the FEC meeting in Abuja, are aimed at repositioning the NYSC into a skills-focused, productivity-driven institution aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda.
A major change is the leadership structure. The NYSC will now be headed by a civilian, while the military will retain responsibility for corps members’ security nationwide.
The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for implementation.
Announcing the approval on X, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described it as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.
Olawande said the reforms will transform 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 a8 fast-changing world.”
*Key components of the reforms include:*
1. *Technology-driven call-up* and risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.
2. *Redesigned six-week orientation* with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
3. *Skills-based primary assignments* aligned with academic background and career pathways.
4. *Modern governance* with civilian operational leadership, with security support from the military.
5. *Improved camp standards* through a national grading and certification system.
6. *New graduation ceremony* to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform to reflect professionalism and national pride.
Olawande said the review began in 2025 through collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Youth Development and Education, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
`This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,` he said.
Established in 1973 after the Civil War to promote national unity, the NYSC deploys graduates to states outside their regions for one year of compulsory national service.
The Federal Government said the overhaul is designed to make the scheme more relevant to Nigeria’s current economic and youth development needs.
