President Bola Tinubu has said the recently approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills while preparing them to play a greater role in the country’s economic and national development.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday in a post shared on his verified 𝕏 account, days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved what the administration described as a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC scheme.
According to Tinubu, the reforms represent the most far-reaching changes to the programme since its establishment in 1973, reflecting his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Recalling his inauguration pledge, the President said the reforms fulfil part of his promise to prioritise young people and women in governance.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added:
“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.”
Tinubu acknowledged the historic role of the NYSC in fostering national unity over the past five decades, stressing that the objective remains important. However, he noted that changing national realities require the scheme to evolve beyond its traditional responsibilities.
“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 stated.
The President explained that the reforms are intended to reposition the NYSC by placing stronger emphasis on practical skills acquisition, productivity, entrepreneurship and national development, ensuring corps members are better prepared to contribute to the country’s growth in a rapidly changing economy.
The reforms were approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the NYSC and make it more responsive to the needs of Nigerian youths and the nation’s development priorities.
