FG Approves Major NYSC Reform After 53 Years

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the first significant reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 53 years, as announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, following a Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The reform aims to reposition the NYSC scheme to better achieve its core mandate of promoting national unity, skill acquisition, job creation, and empowering Nigerian youth.

Key components of the reform include the digitalization of NYSC operations, enhanced security and welfare for corps members, improved orientation camp facilities, and stronger partnerships with state governments. The NYSC leadership will transition to a civilian-led structure, with the current director general being a senior military officer.

The duration of the mandatory national service will remain one year, and the NYSC Act will be amended to align the scheme with contemporary national development priorities. The reform will also introduce professional identification certificates for corps members and enhance training opportunities in specialized streams.