Nigeria's long-standing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set for a new chapter following the approval of far-reaching reforms by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), ending more than five decades without a comprehensive review of the programme.
The reforms, approved during Monday's FEC meeting in Abuja, are designed to reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven and productivity-oriented institution that aligns with the Federal Government's broader economic transformation agenda.
One of the most significant changes approved by the council is the transition of the scheme's leadership from military to civilian administration. Under the new framework, a civilian will head the NYSC, while the military will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the security and welfare of corps members across the country.
To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations, providing the necessary legal framework for the new structure.
Announcing the development on his official social media platform, Ayodele Olawande described the approval as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC scheme in its history.
According to the minister, the reforms are intended to transform the programme into a modern institution that not only fosters national unity but also prepares Nigerian youths for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
"We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world," Olawande stated.
The proposed overhaul is expected to usher in a new era for the NYSC, with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, vocational skills acquisition, innovation, and youth empowerment, while preserving its core mandate of promoting national integration and service.
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