President Bola Tinubu has explained the rationale behind the Federal Government’s sweeping reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, strengthen national unity and prepare them for the demands of a modern economy.
The President made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, two days after the Federal Executive Council approved what he described as the most significant overhaul of the scheme since it was established in 1973.
According to Tinubu, the reforms are part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians, whom he described as the country’s greatest asset.
“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.
While acknowledging the NYSC’s role in promoting national integration over the past five decades, Tinubu said the realities of today’s Nigeria require the scheme to do more than foster unity.
“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,” he said.
Under the approved reforms, the orientation programme will be extended from three weeks to six weeks, with expanded training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career development and specialised skills based on corps members’ academic qualifications and career interests.
Tinubu said participants would receive training in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, creative industries, enterprise, as well as para-military and security services.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” the President stated.
The reforms also introduce new security measures, including risk-based deployment for corps members posted to states facing security challenges. Under the new arrangement, priority will be given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions within affected states and those from neighbouring states in the same geopolitical zone.
Tinubu added that the mobilisation process would become fully technology-driven, while corps members’ primary assignments would be aligned with their academic backgrounds, professional skills and career aspirations.
As part of the restructuring, the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, including one from the military or paramilitary responsible for security.
The President also announced that orientation camps would be evaluated under a national grading and certification framework, with state governments required to meet minimum operational standards.
He further revealed that the traditional Passing-Out Parade would be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the expanded training and skills acquired during the service year.
Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the reforms.
He also commended 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 development, the President urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunities created by the reforms.
“To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future,” he said.