NIGERIA: Tinubu Explains Rationale Behind Sweeping NYSC Reforms

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s approval of far reaching reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve their employability and prepare them for national development.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, represent the most significant overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973 and fulfil his promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

He noted that while the scheme’s original mission of promoting national unity remains important, Nigeria’s changing realities require a more skills driven and career focused approach.

Under the approved reforms, the orientation programme will be extended from three to six weeks and will include training in civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, the creative economy, public service and security related fields.

The reforms also introduce technology driven mobilisation, skill based deployment and risk based posting to improve the safety of corps members, particularly in security challenged areas. In addition, the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director General supported by three Executive Directors, while the traditional Passing Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the scheme’s new emphasis on professional and civic development.

Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministries of Youth Development and Justice to commence amendments to the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for the reforms, which come as the scheme enters its 53rd year of operation.