NYSC to get new uniform, graduation ceremony as FEC approves reforms

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development on Monday in a post on his X handle, describing the approval as a major milestone in repositioning the NYSC for the future.

According to the minister, the reforms are designed to preserve the scheme’s legacy of promoting national unity while transforming it into a platform that equips young Nigerians with the skills, experience and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future,” Olawande said.

He explained that the approved reforms would reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

Among the key reforms approved by the council are a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.

The reforms also introduce skills-based primary assignments that align with corps members’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations, as well as a new governance structure featuring civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.

In addition, the Federal Government approved improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, alongside the introduction of a graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade. A redesigned NYSC uniform reflecting professionalism and national pride was also approved.

Olawande said the reform process began in 2025 through an extensive multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

He added that the Federal Executive Council had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence amendments to the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the necessary legal framework for implementing the reforms.

Describing the development as an investment in Nigeria’s future, the minister said the reforms would strengthen the NYSC’s relevance in national development.

“This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset—our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,” he said.

Some of the landmark reforms include:

1. A technology-driven call-up process.
2. Risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.
3. A redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
4. Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways.
5. Modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.
6. Improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system.
7. A new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride.

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