President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing the most significant reforms in the history of the scheme, including the transfer of its operational leadership from the military to civilians while retaining the armed forces’ responsibility for the security of corps members nationwide.
The President also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to immediately commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to give legal backing to the reforms and pave the way for their implementation.
The comprehensive restructuring is designed to reposition the NYSC as a modern, technology-driven national institution focused on graduate employability, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, leadership development and enhanced security.
Under the approved framework, the call-up process will be fully digitised to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability, while corps members will henceforth be deployed using a risk-sensitive model that prioritises their safety and security.
The six-week orientation programme will also be redesigned to place greater emphasis on leadership training, entrepreneurship, digital competencies and specialised career pathways tailored to national manpower needs.
In another major policy shift, graduates will undertake primary assignments based on their academic qualifications, professional skills and career aspirations, replacing the traditional posting system with a more skills-driven approach.
To improve governance, the NYSC will now operate under civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support during orientation exercises and other official activities.
The reforms further introduce a national grading and certification system for orientation camps to improve infrastructure, service delivery and welfare standards across the country.
In a symbolic departure from long-standing tradition, the conventional Passing Out Parade will be replaced with a formal graduation ceremony, while corps members will receive a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at projecting professionalism, discipline and national pride.
The Tinubu administration said the reforms are intended to transform the NYSC into a 21st-century institution that better prepares Nigerian graduates for the labour market while reinforcing national integration, civic responsibility and youth empowerment.