News
FEC approves tech-driven overhaul of NYSC to strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce – Technology Times
Stay connected via Google News
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing technology-focused reforms designed to digitise key operations, strengthen digital skills development and better align the 53-year-old national service scheme with Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
Among the reforms approved by the council is a technology-driven call-up process that will digitise a key stage of the mobilisation exercise, alongside a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership development and specialised career pathways.
The reforms are intended to reposition the NYSC from a traditional national service programme into a technology-enabled, skills-driven institution that prepares graduates for employment and enterprise in an increasingly digital economy.
The reforms are intended to reposition the NYSC from a traditional national service programme into a technology-enabled, skills-driven institution that prepares graduates for employment and enterprise in an increasingly digital economy.
NYSC reform advances digital transformation, minister says
The reform process began in 2025 through a multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination before receiving final approval from FEC.
The approval comes as the Federal Government advances broader digital transformation initiatives aimed at expanding digital public infrastructure, improving workforce readiness and equipping young Nigerians with the skills required for a technology-driven economy.
Beyond the digital reforms, the approved package introduces risk-sensitive deployment of corps members, skills-based primary assignments aligned with graduates’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations, improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, civilian operational leadership supported by the military for security, a redesigned NYSC uniform and a new graduation ceremony that will replace the traditional Passing Out Parade.
Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, announced the decision, saying the redesigned orientation programme reflects the government’s commitment to preparing Nigerian graduates for the future of work.
“The approved reforms,” Olawande said, “will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”
The minister described the package as the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established more than five decades ago.
“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future. We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world,” Olawande said.
The FEC has directed the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin amending the NYSC Act and its regulations to provide the legal framework required to implement the reforms, according to the minister.
“This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset—our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever,” he said.
Established in 1973 following the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to promote national unity by deploying graduates to states outside their places of origin. Introduced under Decree No. 24 of 1973, now the NYSC Act, the scheme was designed to foster national integration, self-reliance and youth participation in national development.
The latest reforms represent the first comprehensive restructuring of the scheme in its 53-year history. While preserving the NYSC’s national integration mandate, the overhaul seeks to transform the programme into a technology-enabled platform for employability, entrepreneurship and digital capacity development, supporting the Federal Government’s wider strategy to build a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s digital economy.
Stay ahead with real-time reports, breaking news, and exclusive insights delivered directly to your phone. Don’t settle for outdated information. Join TECHNOLOGYTIMES NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates.
Join Our Whatsapp Channel
The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stay away from any plan to rig the 2027 general elections.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Movement’s Directorate of Media and Communications.
The Movement said Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through a free, fair and credible process.
This comes after Wike recently declared that he would lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
The Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to remain neutral and resist any form of political interference in the elections.
It stressed that no individual or political party has the right to decide the outcome of an election before citizens cast their votes.
Recall that Wike had on Monday described himself as the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both territories.
The minister also said he would coordinate political activities in support of the President’s second-term ambition.
In response to the declaration, the Obidients said, “Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process.”
Views: 1
The Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State is investing in a standard hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State, to boost internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities and provide accommodation for residents visiting Abuja and its environs.
The Shendam Guest House, which is currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to partner with Continental Hotels and other top hospitality brands to ensure professional service delivery and sustainable returns for the council.
The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.
Nshe explained that the project involved redeveloping an old facility comprising 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.
He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to pave the way for construction, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.
The facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.
Nshe said his administration was focused on investing public funds in sustainable projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.
“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.
The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the hotel would be completed within six months, citing the commitment of workers despite challenges posed by the rainy season.
He explained that the nature of the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.
The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, commended Nshe for the initiative, describing it as a visionary investment capable of generating revenue and creating jobs.
Bukar said the project aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.
He encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.
The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.
Pwajok said the hotel would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while serving as a potential source of revenue for the council.
He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.
-
News4 days agoPetra Power looks to modernize energy for data centers and defense vehicles
-
News4 days ago
EuroMatch NPFL: Ikorodu City Return to Winning Ways as Salami, Ikechukwu Sink Kwara United in Lagos
-
News4 days ago
Microsoft’s Satya Nadella says AI models need an ‘emergency brake’
-
Business3 days ago
Veritas Kapital CEO Nwakuche Joins Coal City University Governing Council
