FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

 

The Federal Government has approved the most far-reaching overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its establishment 53 years ago, paving the way for a civilian-led, skills-driven service scheme designed to equip graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

 

The landmark reform, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), will see the NYSC transition from military operational leadership to civilian management, while the military will retain responsibility for the security of corps members. The reforms also introduce specialised career streams, expanded vocational training and a new orientation camp structure aimed at producing a workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

 

To fast-track implementation, FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to reflect the approved changes.

 

Speaking on the reform, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the review was necessary to reposition the scheme as a modern institution focused on youth empowerment, skills development and productivity.

 

She explained that the reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital by aligning the NYSC with the country’s economic priorities.

 

According to her, the review covers virtually every aspect of the scheme, including registration, deployment, security considerations, orientation camp activities and post-service opportunities.

 

Under the new model, corps members will undergo a redesigned six-week orientation programme. The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership development. The next two weeks will cover career mapping, financial literacy, business planning and access to finance, alongside a structured career engagement programme with employers and public institutions.

 

The final two weeks will be dedicated to specialised training based on each corps member’s academic background, career interests and chosen service stream.

 

Bala Usman disclosed that the government has created 11 specialised NYSC streams from which participants will choose during registration.

 

The streams include Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps.

 

She said each stream would offer targeted training designed to prepare graduates for careers in critical sectors of the economy.

 

According to her, the reform represents the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its creation in 1973 and reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the scheme into a platform for building skilled manpower capable of driving economic growth.

 

The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, integration and reconciliation among Nigerian youths.

 

The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu but will, under the approved reforms, transition to civilian operational leadership once the necessary legal amendments are completed.