The Federal Government has announced major reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including a civilian Director-General, new uniforms and a redesigned orientation programme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the proposed changes after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the reforms on Monday.
Olawande said the government started the review last year through consultations with key stakeholders. The process involved 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.
The minister said FEC has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to begin amending the NYSC Act and its regulations.
He explained that some changes require legal amendments, while others only need administrative adjustments.
The proposed reforms include the appointment of a civilian Director-General, Executive Directors and a new directorate.
Since the NYSC began in 1973, military officers have led the scheme. Most directors-general have held the rank of brigadier general.
Olawande said the government plans to introduce civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.
The minister said the government would redesign the orientation programme into a six-week course. The new programme will focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career development.
The reforms will also introduce risk-sensitive deployment for corps members. Officials will consider security conditions when posting graduates to states.
In addition, the government will link primary assignments to graduates’ academic backgrounds and career interests.
Olawande said the NYSC call-up process would become technology-driven. The government will also improve camp standards through a national grading and certification system.
The scheme will introduce a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade. It will also unveil a redesigned uniform to promote professionalism and national pride.
The NYSC has faced criticism in recent years over security risks, relevance and its mandatory nature.
Some Nigerians have called for an end to the scheme, arguing that it no longer meets its original purpose.
Concerns have also grown after cases of corps members and prospective participants facing security threats while travelling to orientation camps.
However, the government has not proposed changes to the compulsory nature of the scheme. Under the current NYSC Act, Nigerian graduates below 30 years must participate before receiving their discharge certificates.
The Federal Government said the reforms aim to make the NYSC more relevant, safer and better equipped to prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
