FEC Approves Major NYSC Overhaul, Introduces Skills-Driven Programme and Civilian Leadership

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking one of the most significant overhauls of the 53-year-old programme since its establishment.

The reforms, approved at Monday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are aimed at repositioning the scheme from a mobilisation programme into a platform for skills acquisition, employment generation and national development.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting.

According to the minister, the reforms followed an extensive review undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President.

He said the new framework seeks to align the NYSC with Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic realities by equipping corps members with practical skills that would improve employability, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to national growth.

“We want to build an NYSC beyond just mobilisation. We are looking at strong partnerships for skill development, job creation and national growth,” Olawande said.

Digital Transformation, Improved Welfare

 The minister explained that the reform package includes the digital transformation of the NYSC, enhanced self-development programmes for corps members, improved welfare and strengthened security measures.

He added that the initiative also addresses emerging national priorities while modernising the scheme’s operations. 

According to him, the Federal Government will work more closely with state governments to upgrade orientation camps nationwide and ensure that every state has standard facilities capable of providing a conducive environment for corps members during orientation.

“We want every state to have standard orientation camps for our young people,” he stated.

Passing-Out Parade to Become Graduation Ceremony

One of the major changes introduced under the reform is the redesign of the traditional passing-out parade. 

Rather than serving solely as a ceremonial event marking the completion of national service, the programme will be transformed into a formal graduation ceremony that recognises the skills, competencies and professional development acquired by corps members during their service year.

“The passing-out parade should be redesigned from just a parade to a proper graduation ceremony,” the minister said.

Olawande further disclosed that the reforms include the development of a stronger professional identity for corps members and a review of the NYSC Act to provide the necessary legal backing for the new framework.

Civilian to Head NYSC Operations

Also briefing journalists, Hadiza Bala Usman, who also heads the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), said the reforms would introduce civilian operational leadership for the NYSC.

She clarified that while the scheme’s operational management would be headed by a civilian, the military would continue to provide security for corps members across the country.

According to Bala Usman, the restructuring is intended to reposition the NYSC as a modern, skills-oriented institution focused on youth empowerment, productivity and economic development. 

She added that the reforms are expected to support the Tinubu administration’s broader ambition of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by developing a more productive and entrepreneurial youth population.

The Federal Government believes the new framework will transform the NYSC into a more relevant institution that not only fosters national unity but also equips young Nigerians with the practical skills, knowledge and opportunities required to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.