The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, including the appointment of a civilian Director General for the first time since its establishment in 1973. The changes were announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on his X handle after the FEC meeting on Monday.
Reforms Stem from Multi-Stakeholder Review
Olawande explained that the reform process began last year through a broad-based, multi-stakeholder review 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. He stated that the FEC has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and its regulations to give legal effect to the reforms.
“Today, that hard work has received the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council,” Olawande wrote. “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.”
Key Proposed Changes
Among the proposed changes, the appointment of a civilian Director General and Executive Directors marks a significant departure from the scheme’s 50-year tradition of being headed by military officers, mostly of brigadier general rank. Other changes include risk-sensitive deployments, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career streams.
Technology-Driven Call-Up Process
The call-up process will also be technology-driven, and the government will introduce modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support. Additionally, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system will be implemented, along with a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade. The NYSC uniform will also be redesigned to reflect professionalism and national pride.
Addressing Security and Other Criticisms
The reforms address several criticisms that have plagued the scheme in recent years. Risk-sensitive deployments aim to prevent sending graduates to states experiencing security challenges, where prospective corps members have been abducted by kidnappers while traveling to camps. However, the mandatory status of the scheme for Nigerian graduates under age 30 remains unchanged, with no indication from the government to alter that provision.
The FEC approval marks a pivotal step in modernising the NYSC, which has faced calls for abolition from those who argue it has outlived its usefulness. The amendments to the NYSC Act and regulations will now proceed to the National Assembly for legislative action.
