‎FG Extends NYSC Orientation Camp to Six Weeks, Scraps Military Drills, Passing Out Parade

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), extending the orientation camp programme from three weeks to six weeks while abolishing military drills and parade activities as part of efforts to reposition the scheme for national development.
‎
‎Under the new reforms, the traditional Passing Out Parade held at the end of the one-year national service has also been scrapped and will be replaced with a graduation ceremony to mark the successful completion of the programme.
‎
‎The government said the overhaul is designed to transform the NYSC into a more skills-oriented scheme that equips corps members with practical knowledge, entrepreneurial competence, leadership abilities, and workplace readiness.
‎
‎As part of the restructuring, a redesigned NYSC uniform has also been approved to give the scheme a more professional identity and reflect its renewed focus.
‎
‎According to the Federal Government, the reforms align with its broader agenda of modernising the NYSC, strengthening youth empowerment, and positioning the scheme to better support Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
‎
‎The expanded six-week orientation programme is expected to provide corps members with additional time for intensive skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and career preparation, while reducing the emphasis on military-style exercises.
‎
‎The reforms also include plans to transition the NYSC from military to civilian leadership as part of efforts to make the scheme more responsive to the needs of contemporary graduates and the evolving labour market.
‎
‎Key features of the approved reforms include:
‎Transition of the NYSC to civilian leadership.
‎Extension of the orientation camp from three weeks to six weeks.
‎Greater emphasis on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and employability.
‎Improved alignment of primary assignments with graduates’ fields of study.
‎Expanded digital transformation and enhanced service delivery.
‎Stronger governance, accountability, and sustainable funding mechanisms.
‎Improved collaboration with state governments, local governments, and the private sector.
‎Increased focus on innovation, productivity, and youth empowerment.
‎
‎The Federal Government expressed confidence that the reforms will reposition the NYSC as a more impactful national institution, better equipped to prepare young graduates for productive careers while contributing to national development.