The Federal Government on Monday approved the most extensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since the scheme was established in 1973, replacing its military-led structure with a civilian Director-General.
The reforms also restructure the one-year service programme into 11 specialised, skills-based streams, introduce a redesigned orientation camp curriculum and uniform, and direct the amendment of the NYSC Act to provide immediate legal backing for the changes.
The approvals were made during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja. The meeting was the first FEC session in three months, following the President’s swearing-in of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu on March 4, 2026.
In addition to the NYSC reforms, the Council approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, alongside N128.29 billion for major health and aviation projects. The approvals include N62 billion for tuberculosis commodities, N25 billion for reproductive health drugs, N6.9 billion for 10 blood donation vans and N34.39 billion for the construction of the Gboko Airstrip in Benue State.
Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, said the reform process began in 2025 when the Federal Government constituted a committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the NYSC.
According to him, the reforms reposition the scheme from a mobilisation exercise into a platform focused on skills acquisition, employment, productivity and national development.
He noted that while the NYSC had successfully promoted national unity for more than five decades, changing national realities required the programme to evolve.
“Our review identified several challenges, including outdated laws, weak connections between education and employment, as well as concerns over the safety and welfare of corps members,” the minister said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, described the initiative as the first comprehensive reform of the NYSC in its 53-year history, saying it aligns with the administration’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
She explained that the reforms seek to transform the NYSC into a civilian-led, skills-driven and productivity-focused institution capable of empowering young Nigerians.
Bala-Usman disclosed that the scheme would now operate through 11 specialised streams: Agriculture, Medical, Education, Technology and Digital, Legal, Public Service, Infrastructure, Green Economy, Enterprise, Creative Economy, and Paramilitary and Security.
Under the new arrangement, corps members will select their preferred stream during registration based on their academic qualifications and skills profile.
She further announced that the current orientation camp programme would be replaced with a structured six-week curriculum divided into three phases.
The first phase will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership development. The second phase will cover career planning, financial literacy, business development, access to finance and a structured career day. The final phase will provide specialised training tailored to each corps member’s chosen stream.
For streams requiring longer certification periods, particularly the Technology and Digital stream, participants will remain in structured training for between three and six months instead of proceeding immediately to their places of primary assignment.
According to Bala-Usman, the objective is to equip corps members with practical skills that promote entrepreneurship and self-employment.
She also announced a new management structure headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors, while a military or paramilitary officer will head a dedicated security directorate.
Addressing concerns over the removal of military leadership, she clarified that the military would continue to provide security for corps members nationwide, while administrative and operational leadership would rest with civilian professionals.
The Passing-Out Parade will also be redesigned and renamed a graduation ceremony, while the NYSC uniform will be modernised to reflect a more professional identity without losing its unique character.
She added that the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to work with the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and related regulations to facilitate immediate implementation of the reforms.
Speaking on the growing “Japa” trend, Bala-Usman said the government intends to convert brain drain into an economic opportunity by producing more skilled graduates whose expertise can ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s development, similar to India’s technology sector experience.
Also briefing journalists after the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced the upgrade of the existing snakebite treatment centre in Kaltungo into the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre.
He described snakebite as a neglected but significant public health challenge, particularly in rural communities across northern Nigeria, where over 43,000 cases are recorded annually, leading to deaths, disabilities, disfigurement and severe socioeconomic consequences.
According to Pate, the new centre will provide specialised clinical care, conduct research into snakebite prevention and treatment, ensure sustainable access to anti-snake venom and collaborate with international institutions.
He also announced the approval of 10 compressed natural gas-powered blood donation vans for the National Blood Service Agency at a cost of N6.9 billion.
Pate explained that Nigeria currently meets only about 25 to 30 per cent of its annual blood requirement of approximately 1.8 million units, adding that the new vehicles will improve blood collection for maternal healthcare, trauma treatment, surgeries and cancer care.
The minister further disclosed that FEC approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities, marking a major shift from dependence on foreign donors towards government-funded procurement and eventual local production of anti-TB medicines.
An additional N25 billion was approved for reproductive health commodities to be distributed through primary healthcare centres nationwide, with the long-term objective of encouraging local manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the approval of N34.39 billion for the construction of the Gboko Airstrip in Benue State.
The project, awarded to MESSRS CCECC Nigeria Limited, is expected to strengthen agricultural logistics, support military operations, facilitate humanitarian interventions and improve emergency medical services across the Middle Belt region.
