President Bola Tinubu has explained the reasons behind the Federal Government’s recently approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and better prepare them for national development.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, represent the most significant overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.
Tinubu said the reforms align with his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and ensuring they play a central role in Nigeria’s development.
“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” he said.
The President acknowledged the NYSC’s longstanding role in promoting national unity but stressed that the country’s changing realities require a more dynamic and skills-focused programme.
“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved. But the Nigeria of today demands more. Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed; they are the engine,” he stated.
Under the new reforms, the orientation programme will be extended from three weeks to six weeks and will place greater emphasis on civic responsibility, leadership, values, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, as well as specialised training based on corps members’ academic qualifications and career aspirations.
Corps members will receive training in sectors including agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise development, the creative economy, and paramilitary and security services.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” Tinubu said.
The reforms also introduce a risk-based deployment system aimed at improving the safety of corps members, particularly in states facing security challenges. Deployment will prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions located in affected states, and those from neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zones.
In addition, the call-up process will become technology-driven, while primary assignments will be aligned with each corps member’s skills, academic background and career path.
The President also announced changes to the administration of the scheme. The NYSC will 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 agency.
Orientation camps will also be assessed under a national grading and certification framework, with states expected to meet minimum operational standards.
Tinubu further revealed that the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the expanded training and professional development components of the scheme.
To provide legal backing for the reforms, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to commence the process of amending the NYSC Act and its subsidiary regulations.
He expressed appreciation to 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.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, Tinubu said, “To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future.”
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