President Bola Tinubu has approved a far-reaching overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing the most significant reforms in the scheme’s history, including the transfer of its operational leadership from the military to civilian administrators.
Under the new framework, the military will no longer oversee the day-to-day running of the NYSC but will retain responsibility for providing security to corps members deployed across the country.
As part of the reforms, President Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to incorporate the approved changes and pave the way for their immediate implementation.
The reform package is aimed at modernising the 52-year-old national service scheme, improving the welfare and safety of participants, and aligning the programme with the country’s evolving workforce and development priorities.
Among the key measures approved are a technology-driven call-up process to enhance efficiency and transparency, as well as a risk-sensitive deployment system designed to strengthen the safety of corps members.
The six-week orientation course will also be redesigned, with greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and specialised career pathways. Primary assignments will now be based on graduates’ academic qualifications and professional skills to improve relevance and productivity.
In addition, the reforms introduce a new governance structure under civilian operational leadership while maintaining military security support. NYSC orientation camps will be subject to a national grading and certification system to improve standards nationwide.
The changes also include replacing the traditional Passing Out Parade with a formal graduation ceremony and unveiling a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism, national pride and the scheme’s renewed identity.
The reforms mark a major shift in the administration of the NYSC, signalling the government’s push to reposition the programme for contemporary national development needs while addressing longstanding concerns over its effectiveness and the safety of corps members.
