…Orientation camp extended to six weeks, passing out parade scrapped
The Federal Government has approved a sweeping overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing far-reaching reforms that include replacing military leadership with civilian management.
The new face of the programme also includes redesigning the corps uniform, extending the orientation course to six weeks, and scrapping the traditional Passing Out Parade.
The reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, represent the first comprehensive restructuring of the NYSC since it was established 53 years ago.
A major highlight of the reforms is the decision to place the scheme under civilian operational leadership, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide.
To give legal effect to the changes, the FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations.
Announcing the approval, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the reforms as a historic step towards repositioning the scheme to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
“We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world,” he said.
According to the minister, the revamped NYSC will support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by making the scheme more skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering.
Key reforms
The approved reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members to improve their safety, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
The new framework also introduces skills-based primary assignments that align with graduates’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
In addition, orientation camps will be graded and certified under a new national standard aimed at improving facilities and service delivery.
The government also approved a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national pride.
Reform process
Olawande said the reform initiative began in 2025 through consultations involving 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 before receiving FEC approval.
“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 added.
Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of compulsory national service.
The Federal Government said the latest reforms are aimed at making the scheme more relevant to Nigeria’s current economic realities and youth development needs.
Tags: NYSC, Federal Government, FEC, Ayodele Olawande, Youth Development
