President Bola Tinubu says the newly approved NYSC reforms will prepare young Nigerians for real-life opportunities beyond their service year. According to him, the changes will help corps members gain practical skills, improve their careers, and contribute more to national development.
The NYSC Reforms Fulfil A Promise The President Made From Day One
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the reforms on Monday. Tinubu described them as the biggest changes to the National Youth Service Corps since it started in 1973. Speaking through a statement shared on his X account, the President said the reforms fulfil a promise he made when he assumed office.
“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.
Tinubu added that the NYSC has promoted national unity for over 50 years. However, he believes the country now needs a scheme that also prepares young people for work and entrepreneurship.
“Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine,” he said
The Proposed Changes To Be Anticipated
One major change is the extension of the orientation camp from three weeks to six weeks. During that period, corps members will receive training in key fields. This includes leadership, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, career readiness, digital skills, financial literacy, and other specialised courses linked to their fields. They will also learn in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, infrastructure, the creative economy, and public service.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” Tinubu said.
In addition, the government plans to improve security through a risk-based deployment system. This means corps members will be posted closer to home in security-challenged states. The mobilisation process will also become fully technology-driven, while places of primary assignment will better match each person’s skills and career goals.
The reforms will also change how the NYSC is managed. A civilian Director-General will lead the scheme with support from three Executive Directors, including one from the military or another security agency. Orientation camps will follow national quality standards, and the traditional Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony.
Tinubu also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin amending the NYSC Act to support the reforms. He ended his message with a promise to young Nigerians:
“To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future.”
