President Bola Tinubu has explained why he signed off on sweeping changes to the National Youth Service Corps, saying the aim is to give graduates practical skills that will prepare them for jobs, business and nation-building.
In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council approved the reforms on Monday, calling it the most significant review of the scheme since 1973. He linked it to his inauguration pledge to create real opportunities for young people and place women and youths at the centre of his administration.
While noting that the NYSC has helped promote national unity for 53 years, the President said Nigeria’s current realities require a new direction. He added that youths make up almost 70 percent of the population and described them as “the engine of growth, not a burden to manage.”
Under the new plan, orientation will now last six weeks with focus on civic duty, leadership, values, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and specialised training tied to each corps member’s field and career goals. The training will cover agriculture, health, education, technology, law, public service, infrastructure, the green economy, business, creative industries and para-military or security services. “Every corps member must finish service better prepared for work, enterprise and national service,” he said.
To make service safer, the government will introduce a risk-based posting system, mainly for states with security challenges. Postings will prioritise indigenes, residents, graduates of schools in those states and applicants from neighbouring states in the same zone. The call-up process will be technology-driven and assignments will match skills, academic background and career interests.
The NYSC will also be restructured, with a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, including a Security Services Executive Director from the military or paramilitary. Camps will be graded and certified under a national framework, states will meet minimum standards, and the Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony to reflect that corps members will leave as trained civic and professional contributors.
Tinubu thanked Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande, Special Adviser Hadiza Bala Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education and the reform committee, and ordered the Ministries of Youth Development and Justice to amend the NYSC Act to give the changes legal backing. “To every young Nigerian: this nation believes in you. We are building a country worthy of your talent, ambition and future,” he said.