NYSC will be led by civilian DG, not military — Tinubu

The Nigerian government has announced a comprehensive transformation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the most significant reform of the scheme since its founding in 1973. President Bola Tinubu revealed that the program is shifting from a simple mobilization scheme into a national development platform focused on skills acquisition and employability. Under the new directive, the NYSC will be led by a civilian Director-General, supported by three executive directors, including a specialized officer to manage security services.

The traditional three-week orientation camp is being extended to a six-week programme, structured into three distinct phases. This new journey will begin with a focus on civic leadership and values, progress into digital and financial skill-building, and conclude with specialized training aligned with the academic and career paths of each participant. The government aims to ensure that every corps member emerges better prepared for the workforce, entrepreneurship, and national service.

To align with modern professional standards, the concluding Passing-Out Parade will be replaced by a formal graduation ceremony. The government also intends to introduce a new national grading and certification framework to ensure consistent quality across all orientation camps nationwide. President Tinubu emphasized that these changes are designed to help young people become the engine of a one-trillion-dollar economy.

Addressing safety concerns, the administration is moving to a technology-driven call-up process. Deployments to states facing security challenges will now be determined by a formal risk assessment, with priority given to indigenes, residents, and graduates from institutions within the same geopolitical zone. This strategy is intended to provide a smarter, safer, and more effective deployment system for all participants.

President Tinubu has officially directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Justice to commence the necessary legal process to amend the NYSC Act. He commended the reform committee for their dedication to improving the governance and dignity of the scheme.

In a message to the nation’s youth, the President stated, “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 of the one-trillion-dollar economy we are building.”