The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to revamp the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing structural reforms aimed at improving its relevance, safety, and national impact. As part of this effort, two new initiatives — a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps are also in the pipeline.
Speaking at the committee inauguration in Abuja on Tuesday, May 6, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the scheme, which has existed since 1973, must evolve to meet modern challenges. These include the safety of corps members, inadequate infrastructure, and questions about NYSC’s continuing relevance in today’s socio-economic environment.
“This is an opportunity to reimagine the NYSC as a more impactful tool for youth empowerment and national development,” Olawande stated. The committee, comprising representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector, will review current NYSC policies and propose updates to its structure, funding, operations, and legal framework.
The committee is expected to engage with stakeholders nationwide and submit a final report within a specific timeframe.
Also present at the event, Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa revealed plans for the creation of a Teachers’ Corps for NCE graduates and a Medical Corps for healthcare workers. These corps members would be deployed to underserved rural areas.
Alausa explained that the Teachers’ Corps would address educational gaps and create a direct employment pipeline, while the Medical Corps would boost healthcare delivery, especially in maternal and child health.
Presidential Adviser Hadiza Usman also emphasized the importance of vocational and technical training in the new NYSC strategy, stating that aligning with local development needs will help young Nigerians make meaningful, long-term contributions to society.
