…Introduces New Uniforms, Tech-Driven Mobilisation
…Six-Week Orientation To Focus On Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship
Daud Olatunji
The Federal Government has approved a sweeping overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, proposing to end over five decades of military leadership of the scheme by appointing a civilian Director-General, while introducing technology-driven mobilisation, redesigned uniforms and a revamped orientation programme focused on digital skills and entrepreneurship.
The reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, represent the most extensive restructuring of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973 and are aimed at making the scheme more responsive to Nigeria’s security realities, labour market demands and youth development priorities.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the reforms in a statement posted on his verified X handle, saying the Federal Executive Council had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to give legal backing to the changes.
A major highlight of the reform is the proposed replacement of the military leadership structure with a civilian Director-General.
Since the NYSC was created 53 years ago, the scheme has consistently been headed by serving military officers, mostly of the rank of Brigadier General.
The government also plans to appoint executive directors, restructure the agency’s directorates and introduce civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support for orientation camps and corps members.
As part of efforts to equip graduates with skills for today’s economy, the orientation programme will be redesigned to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and specialised career pathways aligned with participants’ academic qualifications.
Mobilisation and call-up processes will also become fully technology-driven to improve transparency, efficiency and service delivery.
In another major shift, the government will introduce risk-sensitive deployment to ensure corps members are posted with greater consideration for prevailing security conditions across the country.
The proposal follows years of public concern over the safety of corps members, many of whom have been abducted or attacked while travelling to orientation camps or serving in states affected by insecurity.
To improve welfare and infrastructure, the reforms provide for a national grading and certification system for orientation camps, upgraded camp facilities, redesigned NYSC uniforms aimed at promoting professionalism and national pride, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade.
Olawande said the reforms were the product of an extensive multi-stakeholder review initiated in 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
He described the approval as a landmark step towards repositioning the scheme for national development.
“This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,” the minister stated.
Despite the extensive reforms, the Federal Government has retained the compulsory one-year national service for Nigerian graduates below the age of 30, with no proposal to alter that provision of the existing law.
However, key aspects of the reforms, particularly the appointment of a civilian Director-General, will only take effect after the National Assembly amends the NYSC Act and the proposed changes receive presidential assent.
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