The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reposition the program.
The reform represents the first review of the agency since its establishment, according to Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande.
Specifically, the FEC has empowered the Attorney General and Ministry of Youth to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations. This is expected to reflect all approved reform measures to facilitate the immediate enactment of the new framework.
One of the major reforms include a switch in its operational leadership from military to civilian. However, the military will continue to handle security for corps members across the country.
Minister for Youth Development Ayodele Olawande highlighted that the reforms will include a technology-driven call-up process. It will also include a risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.
Other reforms include:
- 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.
- A new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride.
The shift is expected to reposition NYSC to support the administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy. Notably, this will make the institution more skill-oriented, productivity-driven, and youth-empowering.
