Wellington Jopelo
Millions of Nigerian youths are expected to benefit from newly approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained why his administration decided to overhaul the scheme for the first time in decades.
President Bola Tinubu said the newly approved changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve job opportunities and prepare them to contribute more effectively to national development in a rapidly changing economy.
The President stated that the reforms, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, represent the biggest restructuring of the NYSC scheme since its establishment in 1973.
According to Tinubu, the decision is part of his administration’s promise to place young people at the centre of national development and create meaningful opportunities for future growth.
He explained that although the NYSC has played a major role in promoting national unity for more than five decades, the realities facing Nigeria today demand a more modern and practical direction.
Under the reforms, the orientation camp period has been extended from three weeks to six weeks with stronger focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship and digital skills training.
The government has also introduced a technology-driven mobilisation process and a new deployment system designed to improve the safety of corps members posted across the country.
Another major change approved under the reform is the introduction of skills-based primary assignments that will align corps members with career paths connected to their academic background.
The federal government also approved a civilian leadership structure for the scheme while the military will continue handling security responsibilities during orientation and deployment.
Officials said the reforms are part of broader plans to reposition the NYSC into a stronger youth development platform capable of preparing graduates for employment, innovation and enterprise development across Nigeria.