On Monday, June 29, 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
This marked the first major restructuring of the scheme after 53 years of its existence.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the reforms as approved at the FEC meeting are aimed at repositioning the scheme into a skills-focused, productivity-driven institution aligned with the Federal Government’s economic agenda.
Findings showed that one of the key aspects of the reforms is a change in the leadership structure of the scheme.
The NYSC is to be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members nationwide.
To this end, the FEC had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the approved changes and equally to enable their implementation.
However, making this known on X, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the reforms as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.
According to him, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
Olawande further stressed that the approved reforms would reposition the scheme as “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”
X-raying further he said “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support, improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”
He added that “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.”
However, since the announcement of the reforms, there has been a mixed reactions from many segments of the country.
In any case, while many Nigerians see this as a welcome development, others view it from the angle that the scheme should have been strengthened to accommodate military training especially as the country is passing through an unprecedented level of insecurity.
Reactions trail the reform
Following this development, Nigerians on X have reacted to the reforms on the NYSC.
@Ellybest said”All what we need is a good economy that ensure each course of study to strive nt this nonsense shenanigan call skill, every sch sech to tertiary have skill acquisition programs, so this graduate don’t have skill already? But sadly our economy have render most courses useless.”
@Isreal-Denson wrote thus”Sometimes it baffles me how this administration reasons.
For me, if you have to teach university graduates digital and career skills, don’t you think it’s an indictment on the quality of the educational system?
By the time Tinubu is done with Nigeria, there will be no country left.”
@LM_MessiRebirth also wrote “You are creating reforms for a Ponzi economy that only exists in concocted data, with no positive impact. You are creating reforms for a one-party system dictatorship, and you are lying about constant electricity. Our institutions are in tatters, corruption is being normalized, and insecurity is so high that people are begging to stay alive. Your policies are working against the progress of Nigeria. You should resign.”
@Moji solar-Wilson wrote, ”
Sie@OfficialABAT, we have so many young graduates that can’t find jobs. We have over 30 students that graduated from the Solar Wilson Scholarship Program. How can we look at these young people and continue to tell them that, “ education is the passport to our freedoms “. Instead of your wife buying cars for the women of your party sir .. she could have set up businesses or given grants to the youths. Nigerians are succeeding abroad and getting killed or kidnapped in Nigeria. I know Rome was not built in a day … but Sir … I am 62 years old … my generation tasted Nigeria , we had a lot of dreams of going home to help build .. those with integrity can’t survive. We have a lot of Nigerians that can help but it they are not being hired for consulted”.
Expressing his view another netizen with x account name @rap_judge001 said “Thank you so much Mr President
You do this well sir we are so grateful but can you just give us freee condom during that program sir
May God continue to give you more wisdom”.
@chiefohworode also hailed the president by writing”Kudos Mr. President. In recent times, and history, you have instituted the most reforms.
Very proud to call you my President.
2027-2031″.
NYSC was created on 22 May 1973 during the general Yakubu Gowon regime as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war.
It was established by decree No. 24, which stated that the scheme was created “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”.
