The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), replacing its military-led leadership structure with a civilian administration as part of efforts to modernise the 53-year-old scheme.

The decision, approved at Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, also directs the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the legal framework for the reforms.

Announcing the development, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the overhaul would transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

Key reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to improve corps members’ safety, and a revamped six-week orientation camp programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career pathways.

Corps members will also be assigned to primary places of assignment based on their academic qualifications and career goals. Other changes include improved orientation camp facilities through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at promoting professionalism and national pride.

While civilians will now head the scheme, the military will continue to provide security for corps members nationwide.

According to Olawande, the review process began in 2025 through consultations 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 before receiving FEC approval.

Established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to foster national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for one year of compulsory national service.