President Bola Tinubu has said the newly approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve their employability, and strengthen their contribution to national development.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, the President described the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, as the most significant changes to the NYSC scheme since it was established in 1973.
Tinubu said the reforms fulfil his administration’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for young people.
“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 fulfilment of that promise,” he said.
The President acknowledged the role the NYSC has played in promoting national unity over the past five decades but noted that the country’s changing realities require a broader focus.
“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 of our national development,” Tinubu stated.
According to him, the orientation programme will now last six weeks, with greater emphasis on civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career readiness, and specialised training based on participants’ educational backgrounds and career interests.
He explained that corps members would receive training in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, creative industries, and security-related services.
“Every corps member must leave the NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise, and national service,” the President said.
Tinubu also announced measures to improve the safety of corps members through a risk-based deployment system, particularly in states facing security challenges. Under the new arrangement, priority will be given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions in affected states, and those from neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone.
He added that the mobilisation process would become technology-driven, while primary assignments would be aligned with each corps member’s academic qualifications, skills, and career aspirations.
The President further disclosed that the NYSC would now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, including one from the military or paramilitary to oversee security matters.
He said orientation camps would be evaluated under a national grading and certification framework, with states required to meet minimum operational standards.
Tinubu also revealed that the traditional Passing-Out Parade would be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the enhanced training corps members would receive during their service year.
“They will no longer merely complete service. They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development,” he said.
The President commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education, and members of the reform committee for their contributions.
He 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.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to Nigerian youths, Tinubu said, “To every young Nigerian, this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition, and your future.”
