‘Why I Approved NYSC Reforms’ – President Tinubu

• President Bola Tinubu says the newly approved NYSC reforms are aimed at empowering young Nigerians with practical skills, improving their safety, and preparing them for national development.

President Bola Tinubu has explained the reason behind the Federal Government’s sweeping reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and prepare them for national development.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), fulfil his promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

“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,” the President said.

He recalled his inaugural pledge to prioritise Nigerian youths, stressing that they represent nearly 70 percent of the country’s population.

“Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine,” Tinubu stated.

Under the reforms, the NYSC orientation programme will be expanded to six weeks and will focus on civic responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, career readiness, and specialised training aligned with each corps member’s academic background and career goals.

The President also said corps members would receive training across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, enterprise, the creative economy, and paramilitary and security services.

Tinubu added that the reforms would improve the safety of corps members through a risk-based deployment system and a technology-driven mobilisation process that better matches participants with suitable primary assignments.

He further announced that the NYSC would now be headed by a civilian Director-General, while the traditional Passing-Out Parade would be replaced with a Graduation Ceremony to reflect the professional skills acquired during service.

The President also directed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Justice to begin amending the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for the reforms.