President Bola Tinubu has explained that the recent reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and preparing them for national development.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, reflect his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

Tinubu recalled that, upon assuming office, he pledged to prioritise the welfare and empowerment of youths and women, describing the overhaul of the NYSC as part of the fulfilment of that promise.

“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.

“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” the President said.

Tinubu acknowledged the role the NYSC has played in promoting national unity over the past five decades but stressed that changing national realities require a more modern and practical approach.

“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved. But the Nigeria of today demands more,” he added.

The reforms, announced after Monday’s FEC meeting, include restructuring the scheme into specialised skills-based streams, extending the orientation camp from three to six weeks, replacing the Passing-Out Parade with a graduation ceremony, and transitioning the agency to civilian leadership through a Director-General, subject to amendments to the NYSC Act.