By Joel Ajayi
In a bid to align with national development goals and youth empowerment strategies, the Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated a reform committee for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) aimed at equipping Nigerian graduates with practical, demand-driven skills and providing pathways for post-service job placement and business incubation.
The committee is composed of representatives from the Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Education, Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (FCDO-PACE), Youth Parliament, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Over the years, many Nigerians have called for a comprehensive reform of the NYSC Scheme— to provide young Nigerians with relevant skills and real-world experience.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, emphasized that the NYSC can no longer remain the symbolic institution it once was.
He stressed the urgent need for reform to meet the evolving demands and aspirations of Nigerians.
“The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), established in 1973, has played a pivotal role in promoting national unity and integration,” Olawande stated.
“For over five decades, it has deployed young Nigerian graduates across states to serve the nation in various capacities, primarily in education, healthcare, and public service.
“However, the changing socio-economic landscape, coupled with rising youth unemployment, underemployment, insecurity, and lack of skills, has exposed critical gaps in the current NYSC structure. A fundamental transformation is required to align the scheme with Nigeria’s present-day development priorities—especially youth empowerment, digital transformation, and job creation.”
He emphasized that the NYSC must evolve into a strategic workforce development and skills empowerment platform.
“This reform initiative offers the policy, operational, and legal tools needed to achieve that transformation. A reformed NYSC represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset—its youth. By turning the program into a launchpad for productivity, unity, and innovation, this government is making a historic move to address today’s challenges and shape future opportunities. The time to act is now.”
The Minister outlined key objectives of the reform, with the overarching goal of transforming the NYSC into a modern, skills-based national service scheme that prepares youth for the 21st-century workforce while reinforcing national cohesion.
“These include: Redesigning the NYSC curriculum to integrate technical, digital, and entrepreneurial training, Reorienting the scheme toward national productivity, youth employability, and innovation
“Institutionalizing skill acquisition and entrepreneurship with sector-specific deployment tracks such as Digital Corps, Agro Corps, Health Corps, and Education Corps
“Building strategic partnerships with the private sector, development partners, and academia, Enhancing corps members’ welfare, safety, and career support
“Introducing impact-based key performance indicators (KPIs) for corps members and host institutions, Promoting gender inclusion, regional balance, and security-conscious deployment and establishing a structured post-service support system.”
He also read out the terms of reference for the committee, which include reviewing all existing policy documents, reports, and laws guiding NYSC operations; holding public consultations with relevant stakeholders nationwide; and recommending legal, policy, and institutional reforms for the NYSC Act and operational guidelines.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa noted that the training and expectations of youth 52 years ago differ significantly from today’s realities, necessitating a reform of the Scheme.
“We are no longer getting the outcomes we should from the NYSC. Corps members need more technical skills to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and development,” he said.
In her remarks, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, echoed the need for urgent reforms.
“NYSC is no longer the symbolic institution it once was. That is why the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to reforming the scheme to address current realities. The world has changed significantly since 1973. Other countries have reformed similar programs with remarkable results. Reforming the NYSC will undoubtedly add significant value to its legacy.”
However, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the Minister within 4 to 6 weeks.
