Why I approved reform to NYSC – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why his administration approved major reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the changes are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and preparing them for national development.

The President made this known in a statement shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved what he described as the most significant reforms to the scheme since its establishment in 1973.

Tinubu said the reforms are part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and ensuring they play a greater role in Nigeria’s development.

He also noted that while the NYSC has successfully promoted national unity for more than five decades, the country’s changing realities require a fresh approach that focuses on skills, innovation and productivity.

“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. 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.

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. Our young people are nearly 70 per cent of our population. They are not a burden to be managed… They are the engine,” he said.

The Federal Government says the reforms are expected to better prepare corps members for national development while creating more opportunities for Nigerian youths.