The Federal Executive Council has approved a far-reaching reform of the National Youth Service Corps, introducing a new uniform, graduation ceremony and a raft of measures aimed at repositioning the scheme after more than five decades of operation.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the approval on Monday, describing the decision as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment 53 years ago.
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to strengthen the scheme's role in promoting national unity while equipping corps members with practical skills, leadership capacity and career opportunities needed in a changing economy.
Olawande said the approved package includes a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation camp programme with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital skills, leadership development and specialised career pathways.
He added that corps members would now undertake primary assignments aligned with their academic qualifications and career interests, while a new governance structure would place the scheme under civilian operational leadership, with the military retaining responsibility for security support.
The minister further disclosed that the reforms provide for improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, while the traditional Passing Out Parade will be replaced with a formal graduation ceremony.
He also announced the approval of a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to project professionalism and national identity.
"For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. These reforms will preserve that legacy while preparing the scheme to meet the demands of the future," Olawande said.
He explained that the reform process began in 2025 through consultations involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
He added that the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development had been directed to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide the legal framework for implementing the approved reforms.
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