President Bola Tinubu has defended the sweeping reforms recently approved for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve national service and prepare graduates for employment and entrepreneurship.
The President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, represent the most significant overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973 and fulfil his administration’s commitment to empowering young people.
In a statement shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, Tinubu said the reforms reflect a promise he made at his inauguration to place young Nigerians at the centre of his government’s development agenda.
“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973.
“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” Tinubu said.
While acknowledging the NYSC’s long-standing role in promoting national unity, the President said the scheme must evolve to meet the realities of modern Nigeria.
“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved.
“But the Nigeria of today demands more.
“Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine.”
Under the approved reforms, the NYSC orientation programme will be extended from three weeks to six weeks, with expanded training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career readiness and national values.
Tinubu said corps members will also receive specialised training tailored to their academic qualifications and career interests in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise, the creative economy, and paramilitary and security services.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” he said.
The President added that the reforms will enhance the safety of corps members through a risk-based deployment system, particularly for states facing security challenges.
According to him, priority will be given to deploying indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions located in affected states and those from neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone.
“The call-up process will become technology-driven and primary assignments will be better aligned with each corps member’s skills, academic background and career stream,” he added.
Tinubu also announced major governance changes, including the appointment of a civilian Director-General to head the NYSC, supported by three Executive Directors, one of whom will oversee security matters and be drawn from the military or a paramilitary agency.
He further disclosed that orientation camps will be assessed under a national grading and certification framework, while state governments will be required to meet minimum operational standards.
In another major change, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be renamed a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the expanded scope of the scheme.
“The Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony because our corps members will no longer merely complete service. They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for their contributions to the initiative.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the reforms.
“We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future,” the President said.
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