President Bola Tinubu has explained the rationale behind his administration’s comprehensive reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and better prepare them to contribute to national development.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, the President described the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, as the most far-reaching changes to the NYSC scheme since its establishment in 1973.
Tinubu said the reforms reflect his administration’s commitment to creating more opportunities for young Nigerians and fulfilling his promise to place youths and women at the centre of governance.
According to the President, while the NYSC has played a vital role in promoting national unity for over five decades, the country’s changing realities require a programme that offers greater relevance and impact.
He stressed that with young people making up nearly 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, they should be seen as a driving force for national progress rather than a challenge to be managed.
One of the key changes introduced under the reform is the extension of the orientation camp programme from three weeks to six weeks. The expanded programme will feature training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, digital literacy, financial literacy, and specialised courses tailored to participants’ academic backgrounds and career goals.
Tinubu said corps members will also receive sector-specific training in areas including agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, law, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, the creative economy, public service, the green economy, and para-military and security services to ensure they are better equipped for employment, business, and national service.
To improve the safety of corps members, the President announced a revised deployment policy that will prioritise posting participants to their states of origin, states where they reside, states where they studied, or neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone, particularly in areas facing security challenges.
He further revealed that the mobilisation process will become technology-driven, while primary places of assignment will be more closely matched with each corps member’s academic qualifications, skills, and career interests.
As part of the administrative reforms, Tinubu disclosed that the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors. One of the Executive Directors will oversee security matters and will be appointed from the military or another paramilitary agency.
The President also said orientation camps will be assessed under a national grading and certification system, with states expected to meet minimum operational standards.
In addition, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be renamed a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the enhanced training and professional development corps members will receive during their service year.
Tinubu 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 other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal framework for implementing the reforms.
Reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s youth, the President assured young Nigerians that his administration remains committed to building a country where their talents, ambitions, and aspirations can thrive.
