FEC Approves Sweeping NYSC Reforms, Civilian to Head Scheme After 53 Years

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first comprehensive reform of the scheme since its establishment more than five decades ago.

As part of the approved changes, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to give legal backing to the reforms and facilitate their immediate implementation.

A major highlight of the new framework is the decision to place the operational leadership of the NYSC under a civilian administrator. However, the military will continue to play its existing role in providing security for corps members across the country.

The Federal Government said the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a modern institution focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, productivity and youth empowerment.

According to the government, the restructuring aligns with the administration's broader economic agenda of equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that will contribute to the country's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

Officials believe the new framework will shift the scheme beyond its traditional orientation by placing greater emphasis on innovation, capacity building and sustainable economic participation among Nigerian youths.