The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established in 1973. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announces the approval following the weekly FEC meeting, describing it as aimed at improving efficiency, youth empowerment, national unity, and skills development.

Under the reforms, the NYSC keeps its one-year duration but introduces a redesigned orientation programme, described in some reports as a six-week orientation with stronger emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams. The programme is also outlined as being split into multiple phases, and corps members will choose from specialised career streams during registration.

Other measures reported include a new civilian leadership structure, shifting operational leadership away from the military while retaining military support for security, and the introduction of a new uniform. The reforms also include technology-related changes such as digitalisation and a technology-driven call-up process, along with risk-sensitive deployment. Improvements to camp standards and a national grading/certification system are also listed. The attorney-general of the federation is directed to amend the NYSC Act and regulations to enable immediate implementation.