Some of the suggested modifications to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme’s legislation and operations have been outlined by Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday adopted the suggested modifications.
Some of these modifications are only administrative in nature, while others call for amendments to the NYSC Act.
In a post on his X handle, the minister explained that the reform 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.”
“Today, that hard work has received the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council,” he wrote.
He said FEC has also 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 and enable their implementation.
“This is more than a reform of an institution,” he said. “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.”
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The nomination of a civilian director general, the executive directors, and one directorate are among the modifications.
Military officers, primarily brigadier generals, have led the programme since its inception in 1973.
Risk-sensitive deployments; skills-based primary assignments that matched academic background and career pathways; and a revised six-week orientation programme with a stronger emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career streams are just a few of the proposed changes, according to the minister.
He said 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.
He added that there would be improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, as well as a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.
Many Nigerians have criticised the NYSC program in recent years, arguing that it has outlived its purpose and that it should be abolished.
The deployment of graduates to states facing security issues is one of the criticisms addressed in these new measures. Prospective corps members have occasionally been kidnapped while going from their home base to the NYSC camp.
The scheme’s mandated nature has also drawn a lot of criticism. All Nigerian graduates under the age of thirty are required by law to participate in the programme. There’s no sign that the government intends to amend that section of the law.
