The Federal Government has approved a major reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), extending the orientation camp programme from the current three weeks to six weeks.
The decision forms part of a broader strategy aimed at repositioning the scheme to better equip corps members with practical skills, leadership capacity and national development competencies.
Officials said the overhaul is designed to strengthen the impact of the NYSC by providing more time for vocational training, entrepreneurship development, civic education and nation-building activities during the orientation period.
The reform is expected to enhance the preparedness of graduates for the labour market while promoting self-reliance and job creation among Nigerian youths. Stakeholders have long advocated a review of the orientation programme to accommodate more intensive skills acquisition and capacity-building initiatives.
Government sources noted that the expanded six-week programme would allow for a more comprehensive curriculum, including digital skills, innovation, security awareness and community development training.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the NYSC scheme and align it with current socio-economic realities. Authorities expressed confidence that the changes would improve the relevance of the programme and increase its contribution to national development.
Further details on the implementation timeline and operational guidelines for the new orientation structure are expected to be announced by the relevant authorities in the coming weeks.
