President Bola Tinubu has announced a major overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the reforms are aimed at preparing Nigerian youths with practical skills, improving employment opportunities and enhancing their role in national development.
The President explained that the changes, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, represent the biggest transformation of the scheme since it was established in 1973.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement shared on his official X handle, noting that the reforms align with his administration’s commitment to creating better opportunities for young Nigerians.
He said while the NYSC has contributed significantly to national unity for over 50 years, changing realities require a new approach that focuses more on skills development and economic empowerment.
“Although the mission of national unity remains important and must be preserved, the Nigeria of today demands more,” the President stated.
According to him, Nigerian youths should be recognised as drivers of economic growth and innovation rather than a burden on society.
Under the new structure, the NYSC orientation programme will now run for six weeks and will include training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial literacy, career development and specialised areas based on corps members’ interests and backgrounds.
The President said corps members would receive training opportunities in key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, green economy, creative industries and security-related services.
He added that the goal is for every corps member to complete the programme with improved readiness for employment, entrepreneurship and national service.
Tinubu also announced new safety measures for corps members, including a risk-based deployment system designed to reduce exposure to insecurity.
He said priority would be given to residents and indigenes of states facing security challenges, graduates from institutions in those areas, and candidates from neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zones.
The President further revealed that the call-up process would become more technology-driven, while corps members’ primary assignments would be aligned with their academic qualifications, skills and career goals.
On the leadership structure of the scheme, Tinubu said the NYSC would now be led by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, including a Security Services Executive Director to be appointed from the military or paramilitary sector.
He also stated that NYSC orientation camps nationwide would undergo assessment through a grading and certification system to ensure they meet required standards.
Tinubu announced that the traditional Passing-Out Parade would be renamed a Graduation Ceremony, reflecting the new focus on producing trained civic and professional contributors.
The President directed the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Justice to begin the amendment of the NYSC Act and related regulations to give legal backing to the reforms.
He commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for their contributions.
“Every young Nigerian should know that this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, ambition and future,” Tinubu said.
