The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has on Monday June 29, 2026, approved far-reaching reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), representing the most significant changes to the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.
The reforms will introduce a civilian-led administrative structure to oversee the agency’s operations.
To facilitate the changes, the Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations. Once the legal amendments are completed, the new framework will take effect.
Under the new arrangement, a civilian administrator will be responsible for managing the daily affairs of the NYSC, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members posted across the country.
Also, the orientation camp duration has been extended from 3 weeks to 6 weeks, with a focus on leadership, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.
The one-year service is restructured into 11 specialised, skills-based streams with the introduction of a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, along with redesigned NYSC uniforms.
The reform is supported by a phased implementation schedule spanning 2026 to 2028, backed by a N2 billion Innovation Fund.
According to the Federal Government, the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a platform that promotes skills acquisition, productivity, and youth empowerment, in line with the administration’s goal of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.
The NYSC was created through Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, following the Nigerian Civil War to encourage national unity, reconciliation, and integration by requiring graduates to undertake one year of national service.
The scheme is currently led by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu. With the approved reforms, its operational structure is expected to change while its primary mission of fostering national unity and youth development remains intact.