Reports says  that the Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.

Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, told State House correspondents on Monday after the weekly FEC meeting that the council maintained the scheme’s one‑year duration and introduced skills‑based training.

Other reforms, according to him, include digitalisation and change of leadership structure from military to civilians, among other measures to reposition the scheme for national development.

The minister said the reforms are the first major review of the NYSC since its creation in 1973, noting that they were developed through consultations with the ministries of youth development and education as well as the office of the special adviser to the president on policy coordination.

He said the reforms aim to strengthen national unity, boost skills development, create jobs and empower youth across the country.

“The approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy,” Olawande said.

“Some of the landmark reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.

“Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways; modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.”

The reform also includes “improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the passing-out parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”

Hadiza Bala-Usman, special adviser to the president on policy coordination, said specialised cohorts, including a proposed digital corps, may undergo additional training to obtain professional certifications before deployment, improving employability and prospects for self‑employment.

She noted that NYSC will remain a civilian‑led scheme while the military will continue to provide security for corps members.

FEC directed Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth Development, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to enable immediate implementation of the approved measures.