President Bola Tinubu has explained the reasons behind the sweeping reforms recently approved for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve employability and prepare them to contribute more effectively to national development.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, represent one of the most significant overhauls of the NYSC scheme since its establishment in 1973.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu said the reforms fulfil part of the commitment he made during his inauguration to create greater opportunities for Nigeria’s youth.
He recalled that he had promised to place young people and women at the centre of his administration's policies, adding that the NYSC reforms reflect that pledge.
The President noted that while the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity for over five decades, changing national realities now require a more modern and impactful programme.
He stressed that with young people making up nearly 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, they should be viewed as the country's driving force rather than a challenge to be managed.
Under the new reforms, the NYSC orientation programme will be extended from the current duration to six weeks, with a curriculum focused on civic responsibility, leadership, national values, career development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy and specialised professional training tailored to participants' academic qualifications and career interests.
Tinubu explained that corps members will receive training in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, entrepreneurship, the creative industry, as well as paramilitary and security services.
He said the objective is to ensure that every corps member completes the programme with improved skills and is better prepared for employment, business and national service.
The President also announced new measures to improve the safety of corps members through a risk-based deployment system, particularly in states facing security challenges.
Under the revised deployment framework, priority will be given to indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions within affected states and participants from neighbouring states in the same geopolitical zone.
He added that the mobilisation process will become fully technology-driven, while primary places of assignment will be matched more closely with each corps member's academic background, professional skills and career aspirations.
On the administrative structure of the scheme, Tinubu said the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, one of whom will oversee security matters and will come from either the military or a paramilitary organisation.
He further disclosed that orientation camps will be evaluated under a national grading and certification framework, while state governments will be expected to meet minimum operational standards for camp management.
As part of the reforms, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony, reflecting the administration's belief that corps members should leave the scheme as professionally trained and civically responsible contributors to national development rather than merely completing a mandatory service year.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, his 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 initiative.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and its supporting regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the reforms.
Reaffirming his administration's commitment to the country's youth, the President stated that Nigeria believes in the potential of its young people and is working to build a nation that supports their talents, ambitions and future, DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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