President Bola Tinubu has explained the rationale behind his administration’s sweeping reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), stating that the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, enhance national service and prepare them for meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
The President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), fulfil a key promise of his administration to create greater opportunities for Nigeria’s youth and position them as drivers of national progress.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu described the overhaul as the most significant reform of the NYSC scheme since it was established in 1973.
He recalled that, upon assuming office, he pledged to prioritise young people and women in his administration, adding that the new reforms represent the fulfilment of that commitment.
According to the President, while the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity for more than five decades, Nigeria’s evolving social and economic realities demand a more modern and practical approach.
He stressed that young Nigerians, who make up nearly 70 per cent of the country’s population, should be viewed as the nation’s greatest asset rather than a burden.
As part of the reforms, the NYSC orientation programme will now last six weeks and include extensive training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career readiness and specialised courses tailored to participants’ academic qualifications and career aspirations.
Tinubu disclosed that corps members will receive practical training across critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, the creative industry, enterprise development and para-military and security services.
He said the objective is to ensure that every corps member completes the scheme better prepared for employment, entrepreneurship and
The President also announced new security measures for corps deployment. Under the revised policy, deployment will adopt a risk-based approach, with preference given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions in affected states and neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone in areas facing security challenges.
He further revealed that the call-up process will become fully technology-driven, while primary assignments will be matched more closely with each corps member’s academic background, professional skills and career interests.
On the administration of the scheme, Tinubu said the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, assisted by three Executive Directors, including one responsible for security who will come from the military or another paramilitary agency.
In addition, orientation camps across the country will be evaluated under a national grading and certification framework, while state governments will be expected to meet minimum operational standards.
Another major change will see the traditional Passing-Out Parade replaced with a Graduation Ceremony, reflecting the government’s belief that corps members should complete the programme as professionally trained and civically responsible contributors to national development.
Tinubu commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for their roles in developing the new policy.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and related regulations to provide legal backing for the reforms.
Addressing Nigerian youths, the President reaffirmed his administration’s confidence in their abilities.
“We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future,” he said.
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