The decision was taken during the council’s meeting in Abuja on Monday as part of efforts by the Federal Government to transform the NYSC into an institution that places greater emphasis on skills development, productivity and youth empowerment in line with its economic agenda.
Among the major changes approved is a new leadership structure that will place the day-to-day administration of the scheme under a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal framework.
Announcing the development on his X account, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the approval as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since it was created 53 years ago.
He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC into “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”
He explained that the approved measures include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”
Olawande disclosed that work on the reform package began in 2025 through consultations involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination before receiving final approval from the Federal Executive Council.
He added, “This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever.”
The National Youth Service Corps was established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War to promote national unity by posting graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of compulsory national service.
With the newly approved reforms, the Federal Government says the scheme will be better positioned to meet present-day economic realities while equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and opportunities for future growth.