The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major overhaul of the scheme in its 53-year history and paving the way for a transition to civilian operational leadership.
As part of the sweeping reforms, the Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth to amend the NYSC Act and its operational regulations to incorporate the approved changes, allowing for the immediate implementation of the new framework once the legal processes are completed.
A key feature of the reform is the replacement of military leadership with a civilian administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the scheme. The military, however, will retain responsibility for the security and protection of corps members deployed across the country.
The Federal Government said the restructuring is aimed at transforming the NYSC into a more skill-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowerment institution capable of contributing meaningfully to the administration’s target of building a $1 trillion economy.
Established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national reconciliation, foster unity among young Nigerians and strengthen national integration through compulsory one-year service.
The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu. The approved reforms are expected to redefine its operational structure while preserving its core mandate of promoting national unity and youth development.
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