BREAKING: FEC Approves Major NYSC Reform, Introduces New Uniform, Graduation Ceremony

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision on Monday after the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the minister, the reforms are intended to modernise the national service programme, which was established in 1973, and align it with Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities and development priorities.

Olawande acknowledged that the NYSC has played a significant role in promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from different parts of the country for more than five decades. However, he noted that evolving national needs made it necessary to restructure the scheme.

“Our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of the NYSC to also change,” the minister said.

Among the approved changes is the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride. The government will also replace the traditional Passing Out Parade with a new graduation ceremony for corps members at the completion of their service year.

The reforms also include the deployment of a fully technology-driven call-up process to improve efficiency, as well as a risk-sensitive deployment system designed to enhance the safety and security of corps members during their service year.

In addition, the six-week orientation course will be overhauled to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills acquisition, and specialised career pathways.

The Federal Government also approved the introduction of skills-based primary assignments, ensuring corps members are posted to organisations that better align with their academic qualifications and professional competencies.

To improve service delivery, a national grading and certification framework will be introduced to raise standards across NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The new governance structure will also provide for civilian operational leadership of the scheme, while the military will continue to play its existing role in providing security support during orientation exercises and other operational activities.

According to Olawande, the extensive review process began in 2025 and involved consultations with multiple stakeholders. He said the objective is to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that supports the Federal Government’s broader economic development agenda.

“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future,” he stated.

To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, to immediately begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the approved changes.