The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a historic, comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

THENEWSCREDIT reports that,the sweeping reforms, approved during Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, will strip the military of its traditional operational leadership over the scheme, replacing them with civilian heads.

Under the new framework, the military`s role will be strictly limited to providing security for corps members nationwide.

Announcing the decision, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the reforms aim to reposition the NYSC into a skills-focused, productivity-driven institution.

The restructuring aligns the scheme with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act to provide immediate legal backing for the implementation.

According THENEWSCREDIT  the Minister says  the approved changes will completely transform the year-long service experience for Nigerian graduates. The core updates include:Operational control shifts to civilian administration.The iconic kit will be redesigned to reflect professionalism. The traditional Passing Out Parade will be replaced by a formal graduation ceremony.Deployment processes will become entirely technology-driven. Camp time extends to six weeks, focusing on digital skills and entrepreneurship. Primary assignments will strictly match academic backgrounds.A national certification system will standardise camp facilities.

The reform process began in 2025 through a collaborative review involving the Ministries of Youth, Education, and the Presidency.

"This is more than a reform of an institution," Olawande stated. "It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset—our young people."

Originally established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, this historic rewrite alters the fabric of the mandatory service scheme to meet contemporary economic demands.