The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing the most significant changes to the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

The reforms, approved during Monday's FEC meeting in Abuja, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that aligns with the Federal Government's economic development agenda.

One of the most notable changes is the restructuring of the scheme's leadership. Under the new arrangement, the NYSC will be headed by a civilian, while the military will retain responsibility for providing security for corps members across the country.

To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing.

Announcing the development on his X account, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the approval as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its inception in 1973.

He said the reforms would reposition the scheme into "a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution" that supports President Bola Tinubu's vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

According to the minister, the approved reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career pathways.

Other key features include skills-based primary assignments aligned with graduates' academic qualifications and career aspirations, modern governance under civilian operational leadership, improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform intended to reflect professionalism and national pride.

Olawande disclosed that the reform process began in 2025 through consultations 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 before receiving FEC approval.

He described the initiative as an investment in Nigeria's youth, saying the reforms would make the NYSC more relevant and impactful in addressing the country's economic and developmental needs.

Established in 1973 following the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to foster national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin for a compulsory one-year national service. The latest reforms represent the first comprehensive overhaul of the scheme since its creation.