Nigeria approves NYSC scheme reforms

The Nigeria — Executive Council has approved a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria — National Youth Service Corps, marking the first major overhaul of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. The reforms, championed by Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande and detailed by Special Adviser Hadiza Bala Usman, aim to transform the Nigeria — National Youth Service Corps into a skills-driven, productivity-focused, and youth-empowering institution, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's vision for a $1 trillion economy. Key changes include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment, a redesigned six-week orientation program emphasizing leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, and skills-based primary assignments. The reforms also introduce a new governance structure with civilian operational leadership, improved orientation camp standards, a graduation ceremony replacing the Passing Out Parade, and redesigned uniforms. The Nigeria — Executive Council has directed the Nigeria — Attorney General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the Nigeria — National Youth Service Corps Act to provide the necessary legal framework for these changes. The reform process began in 2025 through extensive consultations involving the Ministry of Youth Development, the Nigeria — Federal Ministry of Interior (Nigeria), and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.