The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the first comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its establishment in 1973, introducing sweeping changes aimed at modernising the scheme and enhancing its impact.

The reforms, approved at Wednesday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, include the full digitalisation of NYSC operations, improved security and welfare for corps members, upgraded orientation camps, and greater attention to participants’ special needs.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the overhaul is designed to transform the NYSC into a platform for skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation and national unity. He added that the traditional passing-out parade will be replaced with a formal graduation ceremony to reflect the scheme’s expanded training programme.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, described the reforms as the most extensive in the scheme’s history, noting that they align with the administration’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy through human capital development.

Under the new structure, the six-week orientation programme will include civic education, leadership training, financial literacy, career development and specialised professional training. The government will also establish 11 specialised corps streams, covering sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, entrepreneurship, the creative industry and security.

The Federal Government also plans to amend the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for the reforms, while state governments will be required to upgrade orientation camps to meet new national standards.