‘NYSC reform’ll prepare graduates for jobs’

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said the ongoing reform of the National Youth Service Corps will transform the scheme from a mobilisation programme into a platform that equips graduates with employable skills, strengthens national unity and improves their chances of securing jobs after service.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday on behalf of the minister, Olawande’s Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council were designed to ensure that “no young graduate leaves the NYSC the same way they entered the scheme.”

According to him, while the scheme’s core mandate of promoting national integration will remain intact, the government believes the 53-year-old programme must evolve to meet the country’s changing economic realities.

He explained that the reform would reduce emphasis on military-style drills during orientation camps, introduce career-focused learning pathways and strengthen security arrangements for corps members.

“The NYSC should no longer be seen merely as a mobilisation exercise. It should become a platform that promotes employment, entrepreneurship, productivity and national development while still preserving its original mandate of fostering unity among Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the reform became necessary because the country had changed significantly since the scheme was established in 1973 after the civil war.

Drawing comparisons with national service programmes in countries such as Singapore, South Korea and Germany, Abdullahi said Nigeria was repositioning the NYSC to combine national service with practical career development.

According to him, studies indicating that many young Nigerians identify first with their religion or ethnicity before identifying as Nigerians underscore the need to strengthen civic education and patriotism within the orientation programme.

He said under the new framework, the three-week orientation camp would shift from military-style activities to programmes centred on civic responsibility, leadership, patriotism and soft skills.

“For decades, orientation camps have emphasised military drills, marching and parade culture. Nigeria is no longer under military rule. We are operating within a democratic environment and believe the orientation programme should prepare graduates for the future rather than replicate military traditions,” he said.

Abdullahi clarified that discipline would remain part of the scheme despite the reduced emphasis on military drills.

Instead, he said the first two weeks of camp would focus on civic responsibility, patriotism, leadership development and national values.

At the same time, graduates would also receive training in soft skills considered essential for the modern workplace.

Addressing growing concerns over the safety of corps members, Abdullahi said security considerations were central to the reform package.

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He disclosed that the government planned to adopt a more security-sensitive deployment policy by prioritising indigenous corps members for postings in states facing security challenges before deploying graduates from other parts of the country.

“Where there are security concerns in a particular state, indigenous corps members will be given priority for deployment within that state. We believe people who are familiar with their local environment are generally better positioned while broader security efforts continue,” he said.

He also dismissed concerns that the military would be completely removed from the administration of the scheme.

According to him, although civilian operational leadership is being introduced, one of the proposed executive directors under the new structure will oversee military operations and security matters.

“There has been some misconception that the military will no longer have any role in the NYSC, but that is not correct. One of the executive directors will specifically coordinate military operations and security arrangements for orientation camps and corps members throughout their service year,” he said.

On implementation, Abdullahi said the reform process had already commenced following the FEC’s approval.

He disclosed that Olawande was engaging stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, to facilitate the legislative amendments required for aspects of the reform.

Although he declined to give a specific completion date, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the reforms would be fully implemented within President Bola Tinubu’s first term.

“The President is personally passionate about this reform. Implementation is already ongoing through stakeholder engagement, while legislative processes are progressing. We are determined to complete the reforms within the lifespan of this administration’s first term,” he said.

He also sought to allay the fears of prospective corps members that the reforms could disrupt mobilisation for the 2026 Batch B and Batch C streams.

According to him, administrative improvements would be introduced gradually without affecting the normal service year.

“Nothing about the reform will disrupt the service year of current or prospective corps members. What we are doing is improving the NYSC experience. Rather than being apprehensive, prospective corps members should look forward to a more rewarding programme.

“Our goal is simple: no young graduate should participate in the NYSC and come out the same way they entered,” Abdullahi added.