Photo : Corps members during a previous NYSC orientation camp. The programme will now run for six weeks without military drills
The Federal Government has approved a major overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, extending the orientation camp programme from three weeks to six weeks and scrapping military drills and parades.
Under the new reforms, corps members will no longer participate in military drills during orientation camp. The traditional Passing Out Parade that marks the end of the one-year service will also be scrapped and replaced with a graduation ceremony.
The government said the changes are designed to reposition the scheme and make it more skills-driven. The extended six-week camp is expected to better prepare corps members for the workforce and entrepreneurship, in line with national youth development objectives.
As part of the identity refresh, the Federal Government also approved a redesigned NYSC uniform to reflect professionalism and give the scheme a renewed image. Officials said the new look will align with efforts to modernise the corps and improve public perception.
The reforms form part of a broader plan to align the NYSC with the country’s economic realities. Authorities say the skills-focused orientation and graduation model will equip graduates with practical competencies before they exit the service.
