The Federal Government has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing a civilian-led operational structure and a career-focused service model in what has been described as the most significant overhaul of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-oriented institution capable of equipping Nigerian graduates with practical competencies while advancing the Tinubu administration’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
As part of the new framework, the NYSC’s operational leadership will now be headed by a civilian, while the military will retain responsibility for the security of corps members across the country.
To pave the way for the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth to initiate amendments to the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations.
Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the reforms were designed to strengthen human capital development and better prepare Nigerian graduates for productive careers and national service.
She disclosed that the orientation camp programme would be restructured into three distinct phases. According to her, the first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values, leadership development and citizenship. The second phase will centre on career mapping, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, business planning and access to finance, while the final two weeks will provide specialised training aligned with each corps member’s chosen career path.
Under the new arrangement, prospective corps members will be required to select one of 11 specialised service streams: 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.
The Federal Government said the reforms are expected to reposition the NYSC as a modern platform for youth empowerment, skills acquisition and national development, ensuring that graduates leave the scheme with practical experience and improved employability.
