Tinubu explains why he approved sweeping NYSC reforms

President Bola Tinubu has explained why his administration approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and prepare them for national development.

Tinubu said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, fulfil his administration’s promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, the President described the package as the biggest overhaul of the NYSC since the scheme was established in 1973.

“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973.

“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise.”

Tinubu said the NYSC had remained a vital platform for national unity for more than five decades but noted that changing realities required a broader mandate.

“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved.

“But the Nigeria of today demands more.

“Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine.”

He said the orientation programme would now last six weeks, with training focused on civic responsibility, leadership, values, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, alongside specialised learning based on participants’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations.

According to the President, corps members will receive training in agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise, the creative economy and para-military and security services.

“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service.”

Tinubu also said the reforms would strengthen the safety of corps members through risk-based deployment, particularly in security-challenged states.

He said deployment would prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of institutions in affected states and those from neighbouring states within the same geopolitical zone.

“The call-up process will become technology-driven and primary assignments will be better aligned with each corps member’s skills, academic background and career stream,” he said.

The President said the scheme would now be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, including a Security Services Executive Director from the military or a paramilitary agency.

He added that orientation camps would be assessed under a national grading and certification framework, while states would be required to meet minimum operational standards.

“The Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony because our corps members will no longer merely complete service.

“They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development.”

Tinubu commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and members of the reform committee for their contributions.

He also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and its subsidiary regulations to provide legal backing for the reforms.

“To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you.

“We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future,” the President said.