The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved major reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing a six-week orientation programme and replacing the traditional Passing Out Parade with a graduation ceremony.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who shared details of the decision in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
According to the minister, the changes are part of a comprehensive review aimed at transforming the NYSC into a more modern, skills-focused programme that better prepares young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
Under the new framework, the orientation camp will be extended from three weeks to six weeks, with greater emphasis placed on leadership training, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and specialised career pathways to equip corps members with practical skills.
Olawande said the reforms also include the introduction of a graduation ceremony to mark the end of national service, replacing the long-standing Passing Out Parade. Corps members will equally receive redesigned NYSC uniforms intended to promote professionalism and strengthen national identity.
“I am happy to report that the Federal Executive Council today approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history,” Olawande stated.
“A redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams.
“A new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride.”
The minister further disclosed that the reforms will introduce a technology-based call-up system to improve mobilisation, alongside a risk-sensitive deployment process designed to enhance the safety of corps members across the country.
Additional measures include assigning corps members to primary places of assignment based on their skills, establishing a civilian-led governance structure supported by the military for security, and introducing a national grading system for orientation camps.
To pave the way for implementation, Olawande said the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the reforms.
