FG Extends NYSC Orientation Camp to Six Weeks, Ends Military Drills

The Federal Government has approved a major overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), extending the orientation camp programme from the current three weeks to six weeks as part of efforts to reposition the scheme.

The reforms also abolish military drills and parade activities traditionally conducted during the orientation exercise, marking a significant shift in the structure of the programme.

Under the new arrangement, the customary Passing Out Parade (POP) at the end of the service year will be replaced with a graduation ceremony, reflecting what the government described as a new direction for the scheme.

In addition, the government has approved the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at projecting a more professional image and reinforcing the corps’ renewed identity.

The changes form part of broader reforms recently approved by the Federal Government to modernise the NYSC and align it with contemporary national development priorities.

The overhaul follows the government’s earlier decision to introduce civilian leadership into the management of the scheme, signalling a departure from some of the long-standing traditions that have defined the NYSC since its establishment.

The six-week orientation programme is expected to provide corps members with more time for leadership development, civic education, entrepreneurship training and other capacity-building activities under the restructured scheme.

The Federal Government has not yet announced the effective date for the implementation of the new orientation duration and other approved reforms.