THE Federal Government has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the most comprehensive transformation of the scheme since its establishment more than five decades ago.
The decision was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), ushering in a new direction for the youth service programme with a stronger emphasis on skills development, productivity, and youth empowerment.
As part of the approved reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth, has been directed to amend the NYSC Act and its operational regulations to accommodate the new policies and facilitate their immediate implementation.
One of the most significant changes is the transition of the NYSC’s operational leadership from military to civilian administration.
While military personnel will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country, the day-to-day management of the scheme will now be overseen by civilian leadership.
According to the Federal Government, the reform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic vision of building a $1 trillion economy by equipping Nigerian graduates with practical skills that will make them more productive and employable.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, explained that the restructuring is designed to reposition the NYSC into a modern institution capable of strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and contributing meaningfully to national development.
She noted that the review extends beyond leadership changes to virtually every aspect of the programme, including registration procedures, deployment methods, security considerations for postings, and the overall orientation camp experience.
Bala Usman stated that the government carefully examined the evolving needs of Nigerian graduates and identified areas where additional training could better prepare them for the workforce and entrepreneurship.
Under the revised structure, the orientation camp will now feature a structured six-week programme divided into three phases.
The first two weeks will concentrate on civic education, leadership development, national values, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
During the following two weeks, participants will receive training in career planning, financial literacy, business development, accounting fundamentals, and access to funding opportunities. The government also plans to introduce organised career engagement sessions, allowing corps members to interact directly with employers and public institutions.
The final two weeks will provide specialised training based on each participant’s selected career stream, taking into account their academic qualifications, interests, and professional aspirations.
As part of the reform, every corps member will choose from one of eleven designated service streams upon registration. These include Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps.
Government officials say this system will ensure corps members receive targeted training relevant to their chosen fields, improving their readiness for employment, entrepreneurship, and national service.
Bala Usman described the initiative as a landmark reform, noting that it represents the first comprehensive restructuring of the NYSC since the scheme was established 53 years ago. She stated that the new model reflects the administration’s commitment to developing a highly skilled youth population capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
The National Youth Service Corps was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, following the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, reconciliation, and integration among young Nigerians through compulsory national service.
The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, pending the implementation of the newly approved civilian leadership framework.
