By JOAN JONES
President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), ushering in what the presidency describes as a new era for the scheme.
Under the new structure, the NYSC will be managed operationally by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members across the country.
Tinubu has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations without delay to accommodate the changes and enable immediate implementation.
The reform package focuses on safety, skills, and modernisation.
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It also introduce a technology-driven call-up process and a risk-sensitive deployment model aimed at better protecting corps members.
The six-week orientation programme will also be redesigned to place greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career tracks, while primary assignments will be aligned with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career goals.
In addition, the scheme will adopt modern governance standards with civilian leadership at the operational level, improve camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, and replace the Passing Out Parade with a new graduation ceremony.
A redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride will also be introduced.
The presidency says the changes are expected to make service year more relevant to young Nigerians while strengthening protection and accountability within the scheme.
