President Bola Tinubu has said the newly approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve their employability and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The President made this known on Wednesday in a statement shared on his official X account, describing the changes 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 opportunities for young people, a promise he made during his inauguration.
He noted that while the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity for over five decades, the country now requires a programme that also prepares graduates for today's economic realities.
Tinubu stressed that young Nigerians make up nearly 70 per cent of the country's population and should be seen as a driving force for development rather than a burden.
Under the new reforms, the orientation programme will be extended from three weeks to six weeks. The curriculum will focus on civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial literacy and career development.
The President added that corps members would also receive specialised training based on their academic background and career interests in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the creative industry, the green economy and security services.
He said the objective is to ensure that every corps member leaves the scheme better equipped for employment, business and national service.
Tinubu also announced new security measures for corps deployment. He explained that postings to security-challenged areas would now follow a risk-based approach, with priority given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions within those states and neighbouring states in the same geopolitical zone.
He further revealed that the call-up process would become fully technology-driven, while corps members' places of primary assignment would be matched more closely with their skills and qualifications.
As part of the reforms, the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors. One of the executive positions will oversee security and will be occupied by a military or paramilitary officer.
The President also disclosed that orientation camps would be evaluated under a national grading system, with states expected to meet minimum operational standards.
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In another major change, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a graduation ceremony to reflect the expanded training corps members will receive during their service year.
Tinubu 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.
He directed the Ministries of Youth Development and Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for the reforms.
The President concluded by reassuring Nigerian youths of his administration's commitment to their future, saying the government is working to build a country that recognises and supports their talent and ambitions.
