The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has unveiled a broad reform package for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), placing stronger emphasis on preparing young graduates for employment and entrepreneurship while retaining the scheme’s one-year service period. The decisions were approved during the Council’s meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with officials describing the changes as part of efforts to better equip Nigerian youths for today’s labour market.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the reforms would introduce structured professional training into the service year, enabling corps members to acquire practical skills and industry recognised certifications. According to him, the initiative is designed to improve graduates’ chances of securing jobs or creating their own businesses after completing national service.

Under the proposed framework, corps members assigned to specialised programmes, including a planned Digital Corps, could spend additional time undergoing intensive training before reporting to their primary places of assignment. Officials say the extended preparation is intended to provide participants with professional qualifications that strengthen their competitiveness in both local and international job markets.

Beyond skills development, the reforms also propose a new leadership structure for the NYSC. The scheme will be headed by a civilian rather than a military officer, while responsibility for the security of corps members across the country will remain with the Nigerian military. Presidential Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the operational leadership changes would not alter existing security arrangements for participants.

The government also moved to provide a legal foundation for the reforms by directing the Attorney-General of the Federation, working alongside the Ministry of Youth Development, to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations. Authorities say the proposed amendments are necessary before the approved changes can take effect and will support improved coordination, monitoring and accountability across youth development programmes.

Officials say the reforms are also linked to the government’s broader response to concerns about the migration of skilled professionals. According to Bala Usman, the focus is on producing more graduates, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while equipping them with globally relevant skills. She noted that whether graduates choose to build careers in Nigeria or abroad, the training is expected to strengthen their capacity to contribute to national development and bring back valuable experience where possible