The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps, paving the way for the agency to become civilian-led and more focused on skills development and youth empowerment.
The approval marks the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment 53 years ago.
As part of the reform, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to give legal backing to the new framework.
Under the proposed arrangement, the operational leadership of the scheme will be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members across the country.
Speaking after the council meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the reform was designed to reposition the NYSC into a skill-oriented, productivity-driven and youth-empowering institution capable of supporting the Federal Government’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
She explained that the new structure would strengthen human capital development by equipping corps members with practical skills that align with national development priorities.
According to her, the orientation programme will be restructured into three phases. The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership development, while the second phase will cover career mapping, financial literacy, business planning and access to finance. The final two weeks will provide specialised training based on each corps member’s chosen field.
Bala Usman said corps members would be grouped into 11 specialised streams, including agriculture, medical, education, technology and digital services, legal services, public service, infrastructure, green economy, enterprise, creative economy, and paramilitary and security.
She noted that participants would select their preferred stream based on their academic background, skills and career interests, with tailored training provided during orientation.
The presidential aide described the reform as the most comprehensive in the history of the scheme, adding that it reflects the administration’s commitment to preparing Nigerian youths for productive careers while promoting national development.
The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, to foster national unity and integration among Nigerian youths following the civil war. It is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
