The orientation camp programme itself is to be redesigned into a structured six-week curriculum, replacing the existing format. The new programme will be divided into three phases
kaNo —
The Federal Government on Monday approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps, introducing far-reaching changes to the 53-year-old scheme, including the cancellation of military-style drills and the replacement of its military leadership with a civilian Director-General.
The decision was taken at the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, marking what officials described as the most comprehensive overhaul of the scheme since its establishment in 1973.
The reform package also restructures the one-year national service into 11 specialised, skills-based streams, redesigns the orientation camp programme, introduces a new uniform, and mandates the amendment of the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for the changes.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, said the reform process began in 2025 with the constitution of a committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the scheme.
He explained that the outcome represents a fundamental shift in the orientation of the NYSC from a mobilisation exercise into a platform for skills development, job creation, productivity, and national growth.
“The NYSC was created in 1973 to promote national unity after the civil war. For 53 years, it has helped bring together Nigerian graduates and strengthen national unity. But today, our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of NYSC to also change,” the minister said.
According to him, the review identified several structural challenges, including outdated laws, weak linkages between education and employment, and growing concerns over the safety and welfare of corps members deployed across the country.
He added that the Ministries of Youth Development and Education, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, worked jointly to develop the reform framework, which was subsequently ratified by the council.
“One of the important reasons for this reform is the need to support the administration’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by repositioning the NYSC as a civilian-led, skill-oriented, productivity-driven, and youth-empowering institution,” she said.
Usman explained that the reform touches on all strategic aspects of the scheme, including deployment processes, registration modalities, and security considerations, particularly in areas affected by insecurity.
A key component of the reform is the introduction of 11 distinct service streams, which corps members will be required to select based on their academic backgrounds and personal skills profiles.
She explained that upon registration, corps members would be required to choose a stream, after which they would receive targeted training tailored to their selected fields.
“When you come in as a corps member, you will pick which stream you want to participate in. Once you are accepted, you are required to select one of those cores, and specific training will be provided within the orientation period,” she said.
The orientation camp programme itself is to be redesigned into a structured six-week curriculum, replacing the existing format. The new programme will be divided into three phases.
The first phase will focus on civic education, leadership development, and national values.
The second phase will emphasise career mapping, financial literacy, business planning, and access to funding opportunities, including the introduction of a structured career day to connect corps members with employers and industry stakeholders.
Usman noted that for streams requiring longer certification periods, such as the Technology and Digital stream, corps members may remain in extended training programmes lasting between three and six months instead of proceeding immediately to their places of primary assignment.
“We want them to acquire practical skills that will enable them to be self-employed and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
A dedicated security directorate, however, will continue to be led by a military or paramilitary officer.
Responding to concerns over the removal of military operational leadership, Usman clarified that while administrative control would shift to civilian professionals, the military would retain responsibility for ensuring the safety of corps members nationwide.
“We recognise that NYSC operates across the country, and security remains a core priority. While leadership will now be civilian-led, the military will continue to provide security support and protection,” she said.
In addition, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be redesigned and renamed a graduation ceremony to reflect the scheme’s new skills-oriented focus.
The NYSC uniform is also set to be overhauled to reflect a more professional identity while maintaining its distinctive national character.
To give immediate legal effect to the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to work with the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and related regulations.
In a separate development, the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, aimed at addressing the high incidence of snakebite cases in parts of the country.
The council also approved a total of N128.29bn for key health and aviation projects.
These include N62bn for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities, N25bn for reproductive health drugs, N6.9bn for the acquisition of 10 blood donation vans, and N34.39bn for the construction of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State.
Officials said the approvals reflect the administration’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare delivery and improving critical infrastructure across the country.
With the NYSC reform now set in motion, stakeholders say the success of the initiative will depend largely on effective implementation, adequate funding, and sustained collaboration among relevant government agencies.
