Why I approved NYSC reforms – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has championed substantial reforms to Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, emphasizing the need to equip the nation's youth with practical skills for development. The Federal Executive Council approved these changes on Monday, marking a significant update to the program established in 1973.

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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 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," Tinubu announced via his X handle. He reiterated his inauguration promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people, highlighting that women and youth would feature prominently in his administration.

Tinubu acknowledged the NYSC's 53-year contribution to national unity but stressed that contemporary Nigeria demands a more adaptive approach. "The Nigeria of today demands more," he stated, referring to the youth as the "engine" of the nation, comprising nearly 70% of the population.

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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.

The reformed orientation program will now span six weeks, focusing on civic responsibility, leadership, values, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and specialized training tailored to participants' academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Corps members will receive training in diverse fields including 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," the President declared.

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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.

Further reforms include a technology-driven call-up process and improved alignment of primary assignments with corps members' skills. The scheme will also enhance safety through risk-based deployment, prioritizing locals and residents in security-challenged states. The NYSC will now be led by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, including a Security Services Executive Director.

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