Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a wide-ranging reform package for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including a six-week orientation programme, a redesigned uniform and a shift to civilian operational leadership.
Gatekeepers News reports that the reforms are aimed at repositioning the scheme to better serve national development and youth empowerment goals.
Speaking after Monday’s FEC meeting, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the council retained the one-year service duration while introducing several changes focused on skills acquisition, job creation and improved efficiency.
Among the approved measures is a redesigned six-week orientation camp programme with greater emphasis on leadership training, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career pathways. The reforms also introduce a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment for corps members and skills-based primary assignments linked to academic backgrounds and career interests.
The government also approved a new NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national pride. In addition, the traditional passing-out parade will be replaced with a graduation ceremony, while camps will be assessed under a national grading and certification system to improve standards nationwide.
According to the minister, the reforms represent the first major review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973. He said the changes were developed through consultations involving the Ministries of Youth Development and Education, as well as the presidency.
Hadiza Bala Usman said specialised groups, including a proposed digital corps, could receive additional professional training and certifications before deployment to improve their employability and prospects for self-employment.
FEC has directed Lateef Fagbemi and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to facilitate the implementation of the approved reforms.
