President Bola Tinubu has explained the rationale behind the sweeping reforms recently approved for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the changes as a strategic effort to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, enhance national service and prepare them for greater contributions to national development.
The President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, constitute the most far-reaching overhaul of the NYSC scheme since its establishment in 1973 and underscore his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and nation-building.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu said the reforms fulfil a key pledge he made at the start of his administration to create meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians.
“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973,” the President stated.
Recalling his inaugural promise to prioritise young people and women in governance, Tinubu said the reforms represent a concrete step towards translating that commitment into action.
While acknowledging the NYSC’s historic role in fostering national unity over the past five decades, the President stressed that changing national realities require the scheme to evolve beyond its traditional mandate.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population remains one of its greatest assets and should be positioned to drive economic growth, innovation and national progress.
Under the new framework, the NYSC orientation programme will be extended to six weeks and redesigned to focus on civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial literacy, career development and specialised training aligned with participants’ academic backgrounds and professional aspirations.
Tinubu said corps members would also receive sector-specific training in agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, infrastructure, public service, the creative economy, the green economy and security-related services.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” he stated.
The President further announced measures aimed at improving the safety and welfare of corps members through a risk-based deployment model, particularly in states facing security challenges.
Under the new system, deployment will prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions located within affected states and those from neighbouring states in the same geopolitical zone.
Tinubu added that the mobilisation process would become technology-driven, while primary assignments would be better matched to corps members’ academic qualifications, professional skills and career interests.
As part of the institutional restructuring, the President disclosed that the NYSC would now be headed by a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, including a Security Services Executive Director drawn from the military or a paramilitary organisation.
He also revealed plans for the introduction of a national grading and certification framework for orientation camps, alongside minimum operational standards to be enforced across all states.
In another major shift, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be transformed into a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the enhanced training and professional development corps members would undergo during service.
“The Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony because our corps members will no longer merely complete service. They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for their contributions to the initiative.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to commence the process of amending the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide the reforms with the necessary legal backing.
Reaffirming his administration’s confidence in the country’s youth, Tinubu said the reforms are aimed at building a nation that empowers young Nigerians to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.