Tinubu Revamps NYSC, Extends Orientation to Six Weeks, Targets Jobs, Skills and National Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a sweeping overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), extending the orientation camp programme from three weeks to six weeks as part of reforms aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, improving employability and positioning them to contribute more effectively to national development.

The President described the changes, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, as the most consequential reforms to the NYSC since the scheme was established 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 said.

While reaffirming the NYSC’s historic role in promoting national unity, the President said the country’s evolving socio-economic realities require the scheme to play a broader role in preparing young Nigerians for the future.

“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,” he said.

Under the reforms, the orientation programme will now run for six weeks instead of three, with greater emphasis on leadership development, civic responsibility, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy and career readiness.

Corps members will also undergo specialised training in key sectors, including agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, enterprise, the green economy and the creative economy.

“Every corps member must leave NYSC better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” the President stated.

The reforms also introduce a risk-based deployment system to enhance the security of corps members, a technology-driven call-up process, improved orientation camp facilities and a new governance structure headed by a civilian Director-General.

In another major change, the traditional Passing-Out Parade will be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony.

“Our corps members will no longer merely complete service. They will graduate as trained civic and professional contributors to national development,” Tinubu said.

He also directed the Federal Ministries of Youth Development and Justice to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act to provide the legal framework for the reforms.

Addressing Nigerian youths, the President added: “To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, your ambition and your future.”