The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a package of proposed reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the appointment of a civilian Director-General, a redesigned orientation programme and changes to corps members' deployment.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the proposals in a statement posted on his X account after Monday's FEC meeting, saying the reforms followed a 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.
According to the minister, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and related regulations to provide the legal basis for the reforms. While some proposals require legislative approval, others will be implemented through administrative measures.
Among the proposed changes is the appointment of a civilian Director-General to lead the scheme, replacing the long-standing practice of appointing senior military officers. The reforms also propose executive directors and a new directorate within the organisation.
The government also plans to introduce risk-sensitive deployment of corps members, with primary assignments aligned to graduates' academic qualifications and career paths.
The orientation camp programme will be redesigned into a six-week exercise with greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career training.
Other proposals include a technology-driven call-up process, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniforms.
Under the proposed structure, civilian officials will oversee the scheme's operations, while the military will continue to provide security support.
The reforms come amid growing calls for changes to the NYSC, particularly over the deployment of corps members to areas facing security challenges. There have been several reported cases of prospective corps members being abducted while travelling to orientation camps.
Despite the proposed changes, there is no indication that the government plans to amend the mandatory participation requirement for Nigerian graduates below the age of 30, as provided under the existing NYSC Act.
