Tinubu Unveils Major NYSC Reforms, Extends Orientation Camp to Six Weeks, Introduces Skills-Based Service

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s sweeping reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the changes as a bold step towards preparing young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, represent the most far-reaching changes to the NYSC since the scheme was established in 1973. He said the overhaul reflects his commitment to giving young people a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu recalled the promise he made during his inauguration to create greater opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, stressing that they remain central to his administration’s development agenda. He argued that with young people making up almost 70 per cent of the country’s population, they should be seen as a national asset rather than a challenge.

“We are repositioning the NYSC from a mobilisation scheme into a national development platform for skills, employability, productivity and enterprise,” he said.

Under the new reforms, the NYSC orientation programme will be extended from the current three weeks to six weeks. The expanded programme will begin with civic responsibility, leadership training, values and personal development before moving into career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial literacy and specialised training aligned with participants’ academic qualifications and career goals.

The specialised training will cover sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise, the creative industry, as well as paramilitary and security services. Tinubu said the objective is to ensure corps members leave the scheme with practical skills that improve their chances of securing jobs or building successful businesses.

The President also announced new measures to strengthen the safety of corps members. Under the revised deployment policy, postings to security-challenged states will depend on risk assessments and will prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions in those states and neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone. He added that the call-up process would become fully technology-driven, while primary assignments would be matched more closely with each corps member’s qualifications and career interests.

Another major change is the restructuring of the NYSC leadership. Tinubu disclosed that the scheme will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, including one drawn from the military or paramilitary services to oversee security matters. Orientation camps will also be evaluated under a national grading and certification system, while the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the programme’s expanded focus.

To implement the reforms, Tinubu said he has directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations. He also praised 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 for their contributions.

Addressing young Nigerians, the President said: “This nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future.”