President Bola Tinubu has outlined the reasons behind the recent reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to build practical skills among young Nigerians and better prepare them for national development.
He said the reforms, approved on Monday by the Federal Executive Council, form part of his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for the country’s youth.
Tinubu made the remarks in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday.
“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973,” he said.
“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” Tinubu added.
The President noted that while the NYSC has played a key role in promoting national unity since its creation over five decades ago, changing national realities now require an upgraded framework.
“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved.
“But the Nigeria of today demands more.
“Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine,” he said.
READ ALSO:
- Access Bank UK Polo Day Drives Global Support for Education of Vulnerable Children
- Tragedy in Benue as Bandits Kill Scores, Alia Calls for Urgent Action
- Tinubu Explains NYSC Reforms, Says Policy Will Equip Youth With Skills For National Development
- Demonstrators Across South Africa Demand Exit Of Foreign Nationals Without Papers
- ‘The Fight For Justice Continues’ — Sowore Speaks After Kuje Release
According to him, the new reforms will extend the orientation programme to six weeks and introduce training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career readiness, and other specialised areas aligned with participants’ academic backgrounds.
He added that corps members will also receive training in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, creative industries, and security-related fields.
“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” he said.
Tinubu further explained that deployment under the scheme will now follow a risk-based approach aimed at improving safety, especially in security-challenged areas. Priority will be given to indigenes, residents, graduates from institutions within such states, and those from neighbouring regions.
“The call-up process will become technology-driven and primary assignments will be better aligned with each corps member’s skills, academic background and career stream,” he added.
On governance reforms, the President said the NYSC will now be led by a civilian Director-General supported by three executive directors, including one overseeing security who will be drawn from the military or paramilitary.
He also stated that orientation camps will be evaluated under a national grading system, while states must meet minimum operational standards. The Passing-Out Parade, he said, will now be known as a Graduation Ceremony to reflect improved training outcomes.
“The Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony because our corps members will no longer merely complete service. They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development,” he said.
Tinubu commended officials involved in the reform process, including the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education, and members of the reform committee.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Justice to begin amendments to the NYSC Act and related regulations to give legal backing to the changes.
“To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you.
“We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future,” the President said.