Expansion of NYSC Mobilisation Slots for 2026
The Federal Government has taken a significant step by approving an additional 50,000 slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mobilisation. This decision comes as a response to the increasing number of graduates who are waiting to be enlisted for their national service. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the remodeled Clinic at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Director-General’s Statement on NYSC Expansion
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the NYSC, revealed this development during the event, which marked the first anniversary of his tenure as Chief Executive. According to a statement issued by the Scheme’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the additional slots have already been included in the 2026 budget. Furthermore, provisions have been secured in the 2027 budget cycle to enhance the quality of Corps members’ kits, feeding, and transportation allowances.
Nafiu emphasized that the NYSC is targeting the mobilisation of approximately 450,000 prospective Corps members this year. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of these individuals. “This year, we are mobilising about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones. We remain mindful because we owe parents the responsibility of safeguarding the lives of their children,” he said.
Upgrading Facilities and Improving Staff Welfare
The remodelling and upgrade of the headquarters clinic were part of the administration’s initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and efficiency. Nafiu reviewed other accomplishments made under his leadership in the past year, including the successful conduct of the 2025 staff promotion exercise, which was intended to enhance career progression and boost morale within the Scheme.
He also mentioned that peculiar allowances were facilitated for staff, retirement benefits were paid to disengaged personnel, and a recruitment exercise was successfully carried out to strengthen the organisation’s operational capacity. Additionally, the Scheme secured the donation of a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to enhance mobility for both staff and Corps members.
Enhancing the SAED Programme
Nafiu disclosed that efforts are underway to reposition the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through strategic partnerships. He explained that the Scheme has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform. The current management has also collaborated with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and other stakeholders to strengthen support for the Scheme.
Minister’s Remarks on NYSC Support
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who inaugurated the remodelled clinic, stated that the upgraded facility would improve staff welfare and enhance productivity. Olawande assured that the Ministry of Youth Development would continue to support the Scheme in delivering greater impact for Nigerian youths.
“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our Corps members,” the minister said. He also advised Corps members to avoid travelling at night. “When you are travelling and it is getting late, locate the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office and spend the night there,” he advised.
