The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including extending the orientation camp from three weeks to six weeks and replacing the traditional Passing Out Parade with a graduation ceremony
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision in a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, describing it as the first comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment 53 years ago.
According to the minister, the reforms are aimed at transforming the scheme into a more skills-oriented and youth-empowerment platform focused on productivity and employability.
Under the new structure, the orientation programme will run for six weeks and feature expanded training in leadership, entrepreneurship, digital technology, and specialised career pathways designed to prepare corps members for the labour market and self-employment.
The reforms will also introduce a graduation ceremony in place of the long-standing Passing Out Parade, while corps members will be issued redesigned uniforms intended to project professionalism and foster national pride.
“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 said.
“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.”
Beyond the changes to orientation and graduation, the minister said the reforms will introduce a technology-driven call-up system to improve mobilisation and a risk-sensitive deployment process to strengthen the safety of corps members.
Other measures include assigning corps members to roles based on their skills, establishing a civilian-led governance framework backed by military security support, and implementing a national grading system for orientation camps.
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