The Federal Government has approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, announcing that the scheme will now be headed by a civilian instead of a military officer.

The approval was announced to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

To give legal backing to the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to facilitate the immediate implementation of the approved changes.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said that the reforms would also introduce professional training programmes for corps members to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills.

He explained that the NYSC would retain its one-year service duration while incorporating flexible, skills-based training programmes into the service year.

Under the new framework, he said, the scheme would remain civilian-led, while the Nigerian military would continue to be responsible for the security of corps members nationwide.

In a remarkable feat that has captured national attention, 16-year-old student Osasere Okundaye has emerged as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, shattering the previous record set in 2022.

Okundaye successfully completed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), earning widespread acclaim as a shining example of youthful excellence and determination. Her achievement comes at an age when many peers are still navigating secondary education or early university studies.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande congratulated the young prodigy, describing her accomplishment as an inspiring milestone. “I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age,” the minister said, highlighting her hard work and resilience as a symbol of the potential within Nigerian youth.

Okundaye’s success surpasses the record previously held by Jonathan Adewale (also known as Ojo Jonathan Adewale), who qualified as a chartered accountant at age 17 in 2022. Her qualification has sparked pride across the country and renewed focus on empowering young Nigerians in professional fields.

While full ICAN membership typically requires additional practical experience (usually three years), Okundaye’s completion of the rigorous exams marks a historic breakthrough. Details about her educational background and the journey to this achievement are still emerging, but her story is already motivating aspiring accountants and students nationwide.

This milestone underscores the growing narrative of exceptional young talent driving Nigeria forward in various sectors. Congratulations poured in from across social media and media outlets, celebrating Okundaye as a beacon of hope for the nation’s future.

Local vigilante groups have successfully rescued several students of the National Examinations Council (NECO) who were abducted in Borno State, security sources confirmed on Monday.

The students were reportedly kidnapped while traveling or residing in the area for examination purposes. Details of the exact number rescued and the circumstances of the abduction remain limited, but eyewitness accounts indicate that vigilante fighters acting on intelligence engaged the kidnappers, leading to the release of the captives without major casualties reported among the students.

A community leader in the affected area praised the swift response of the vigilantes, stating that their deep knowledge of the local terrain played a crucial role in tracking the abductors. “These boys and girls were on their way to pursue their education. We thank God and our local defenders for bringing them back safely,” he said.

Borno State has faced persistent security challenges, including banditry and insurgent activities that have occasionally targeted schools and students. The rescue operation highlights the growing reliance on community-based security networks in complementing efforts by the Nigerian military and police in the region.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources say efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued students with their families and provide necessary medical and psychological support. Investigations into the kidnapping are also underway to apprehend those responsible.

This latest incident comes amid broader concerns over the safety of students in northern Nigeria during examination periods.