The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing sweeping changes aimed at transforming the scheme into a skills-driven, youth-empowering institution aligned with Nigeria’s economic development goals.
Among the key reforms is the extension of the NYSC orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks, with a renewed focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career development.
Some of the landmark reforms include:
1. A technology-driven call-up process.
2. Risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.
3. A redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
4. Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways.
5. Modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.
6. Improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system.
7. A new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride.
To facilitate implementation, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin amending the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the legal framework for the approved reforms.
