The Federal Executive Council has authorized major changes to the National Youth Service Corps, shifting its leadership from military personnel to civilians. President Bola Tinubu presided over the meeting where these updates were finalized in Abuja.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the scheme will integrate professional training to improve the career prospects of participants. While the service duration remains one year, the program will now offer specialized, skill-based certifications, such as those through a planned Digital Corps. Despite the civilian administrative transition, the Nigerian military will maintain full responsibility for the safety and protection of all corps members.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, clarified that these structural adjustments aim to centralize youth development initiatives for better accountability. To formalize these shifts, the Attorney-General of the Federation is tasked with updating the NYSC Act. Furthermore, the government aims to boost the production of graduates in STEM fields to provide them with competitive, globally recognized skills, whether they choose to work domestically or internationally.
