President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a series of significant reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the most substantial changes to the organization since its inception in 1973. Under the new policy, the assignment of corps members to states facing security challenges will be strictly determined by thorough risk assessments.
A major structural change involves leadership, as the scheme will now be headed by a civilian director-general rather than a military officer. Furthermore, the orientation program is being extended to a six-week duration, with a curriculum designed to prepare participants for the workforce, entrepreneurship, and national development.
The President highlighted that these changes aim to evolve the NYSC from a simple mobilization effort into a platform that fosters employability and productivity. The updated orientation will cover areas including leadership, digital literacy, financial skills, and specialized training in fields such as technology, agriculture, and the green economy. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande and Special Adviser Hadiza Bala Usman confirmed these directives following a recent Federal Executive Council meeting.
