FEC approves historic overhaul of 53-year-old NYSC scheme, transitions to civilian-led skills incubator

Moving forward, executive leadership will transition to a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors.

However, security protocols will remain firmly anchored by the Nigerian Armed Forces via a specialised, internal security directorate.

In a highly visible departure from tradition, the iconic closing Passing Out Parade (POP) will be permanently decommissioned.

It will be replaced by a formal graduation ceremony designed to celebrate the professional competencies, technical certifications, and business portfolios acquired by corps members during their service year.

The operational uniform will also undergo an aesthetic redesign to project a more professional appearance.

The Presidency stated that these far-reaching interventions, which will require immediate amendments to the original 1973 NYSC Act by the National Assembly, are intentionally linked to President Tinubu’s macroeconomic agenda of scaling Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.

Addressing widespread questions regarding financial updates, officials clarified that the current monthly allowance of ₦77,000 remains unchanged.

No changes will be made to this stipend unless officially communicated by the Federal Government at a later stage.

Eligibility criteria also remain intact: the program remains mandatory for tertiary graduates under 30, while exemptions continue to apply to individuals over 30, part-time graduates, and active military personnel.