ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has announced sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the appointment of a civilian Director-General to lead the scheme and an extension of the orientation programme from three to six weeks.
The President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), represent the most significant restructuring of the NYSC since it was established in 1973. According to him, the changes are aimed at transforming the scheme into a platform that equips young Nigerians with practical skills, promotes entrepreneurship, improves employability and strengthens national development.
Tinubu made the announcement in a statement shared on his verified X account on Wednesday, describing the reforms as part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He said that while the NYSC’s original objective of promoting national unity remains important, the country’s changing realities require a more modern and impactful programme.
“Our young people make up nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed but the driving force behind the prosperous Nigeria we are building,” the President stated.
Under the new framework, the six-week orientation programme will begin with training in civic responsibility, leadership, national values and personal development. Participants will then receive instruction in career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and financial management before moving into specialised training based on their academic qualifications and career interests.
The specialised programmes will cover sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise development, the creative industry, and paramilitary and security services.
Tinubu said the objective is to ensure that every corps member completes the service year with practical knowledge and professional skills that enhance their career prospects and capacity for national service.
The President also announced new measures to improve the safety of corps members. He explained that deployment to security-challenged areas will now be determined through risk assessments, with priority given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions within affected states, and those from neighbouring states in the same geopolitical zone.
He added that the mobilisation process will become fully technology-driven, while primary places of assignment will be aligned with each corps member’s academic background, skills and chosen career path.
As part of the governance reforms, Tinubu said the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors. One of the Executive Directors will oversee security matters and will be appointed from the military or another paramilitary organisation.
He further disclosed that orientation camps across the country will be evaluated under a national grading and certification system, with state governments expected to meet established operational standards.
In another major change, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the enhanced training and professional development corps members will receive during their service year.
The President commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for developing the new framework.
Tinubu also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to give legal backing to the reforms.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in young Nigerians, expressing confidence that the revamped NYSC would better prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
Tinubu Unveils Major NYSC Reforms, Announces Civilian DG, Six-Week Orientation Programme
