The Director General of APC Youth Network West Africa, Hon. Olatunde Gideon Igbasan, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the initiative as a significant milestone in youth development and national progress.

Speaking in a statement made available to journalists, Hon. Igbasan said the reforms demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through practical education, skills acquisition and leadership development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that the transformation of the NYSC into a more skills and productivity-focused programme will better prepare graduates for the realities of today’s economy while preserving the scheme’s core objective of promoting national unity.

According to him, the extension of the orientation camp from three weeks to six weeks, with emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and financial literacy, will equip corps members with valuable competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

He also welcomed the introduction of skill-based deployment, which will see corps members posted according to their academic backgrounds and professional career pathways, describing the move as a practical approach that will enable young graduates to contribute more meaningfully to national development.

Hon. Olatunde Igbasan further praised other aspects of the reforms, including the transition to civilian operational leadership, the introduction of a formal graduation ceremony in place of the traditional Passing Out Parade, and the unveiling of new uniforms designed to promote professionalism and national pride.

“The approval of these reforms is a clear indication that the Federal Government is listening to the aspirations of young Nigerians and taking deliberate steps to prepare them for future opportunities. It is a commendable investment in the nation’s greatest asset—its youth,” he said.

The APC Youth Network West Africa Director General expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership, noting that the reforms are another demonstration that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into impactful policies that will strengthen human capital development and drive economic growth.

He urged Nigerian youths to embrace the reforms with enthusiasm and make the most of the opportunities for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship that the new NYSC framework offers.

Hon. Olatunde Igbasan also called on all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the reforms to ensure that the NYSC continues to produce disciplined, skilled and patriotic young Nigerians capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s development.