The Federal Government has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the replacement of the traditional Passing Out Parade (POP) with a new graduation ceremony as part of the most comprehensive overhaul of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
The approval was granted on Monday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), marking the first holistic review of the NYSC since it was created in 1973.
Announcing the decision, the Minister of Youth Development said the reforms are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a modern, skills-driven institution that prepares young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
Among the major changes approved by the Council is the introduction of a new graduation ceremony to replace the long-standing Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national pride.
The reforms also introduce a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members to improve their safety, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career pathways.
In addition, corps members will now be assigned to primary places of assignment based on their academic qualifications and career aspirations, replacing the traditional deployment model with a skills-based approach.
The Federal Government also approved a new governance structure that places the operational leadership of the scheme under civilian management, while the military will continue to provide security support during orientation and other activities.
To improve the quality of orientation camps nationwide, the government will introduce a national grading and certification system to ensure uniform standards across all NYSC facilities.
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to align the NYSC with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda of building a $1 trillion economy by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and relevant work experience.
He explained that the reform process began in 2025 through a broad-based 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.
Following FEC’s approval, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide the legal framework for implementing the reforms.
Describing the initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s youth, the minister said the reforms would reposition the NYSC as a more relevant, impactful and future-ready institution capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.
