The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
As part of the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to enable the immediate implementation of the new framework.
A key feature of the reform is the transition of National Youth Service Corps to civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members nationwide. The government said the changes are aimed at transforming the scheme into a skill-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that supports Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
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Speaking on the reforms, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the initiative is designed to strengthen human capital development and better align the NYSC with the country’s economic and development priorities.
According to her, the orientation camp programme will be restructured into three phases. The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, leadership and national values, followed by two weeks of career development, financial literacy, business planning and access to finance. The final two weeks will provide specialised training based on each corps member’s chosen career stream.
The new framework introduces 11 specialised streams: Agriculture, Medical, Education, Tech and Digital, Legal, Public Service, Infrastructure, Green Economy, Enterprise, Creative Economy, and Paramilitary and Security. Corps members will select a stream based on their academic background, skills and career interests, with tailored training provided accordingly.
Bala Usman described the overhaul as the most significant reform in the history of the National Youth Service Corps, saying it reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills while repositioning the scheme to contribute meaningfully to national development and economic growth.
Established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity and integration. The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
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