The Federal Government has sanctioned an increase of 50,000 slots aimed at the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mobilisation. This decision addresses the rising number of graduates eagerly awaiting their turn for national service.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the NYSC, made this announcement during the official opening of an upgraded clinic at the Scheme's National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja. This event also marked the first anniversary of his appointment as the Chief Executive of the NYSC.
A statement issued by Caroline Embu, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, confirmed that these additional slots have already been included in the organisation's budget for 2026.
Moreover, further arrangements have been incorporated into the Federal Government’s budget for 2027 aimed at enhancing the provisions for Corps members, including better quality kits, feeding, and transportation allowances.
Nafiu highlighted that the Scheme is set to mobilise around 450,000 prospective Corps members this year while ensuring their safety during deployment.
“We are mobilising approximately 450,000 prospective Corps members this year. We will do everything possible to avoid sending them to high-risk zones, as we are committed to safeguarding their well-being,” he said.
He mentioned that the renovation and enhancement of the clinic are part of ongoing initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and operational efficiency.
Reflecting on his accomplishments over the past year, Nafiu noted the successful staff promotion exercise carried out in 2025 to boost morale and improve career progression within the Scheme.
He also mentioned that special allowances were secured for staff, retirement benefits were provided to terminated personnel, and a recruitment campaign was executed successfully to strengthen the organisation’s operational capacity.
Nafiu reported that the Scheme has received a donation of a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to aid in mobility for both staff and Corps members.
He noted the ongoing efforts to enhance the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through strategic partnerships.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Scheme has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED framework.
In addition, the Management has collaborated with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and other key stakeholders to fortify support for the Scheme.
During the inaugurational ceremony of the refurbished clinic, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, expressed that the enhanced facility would improve the welfare of staff and enhance productivity.
Olawande reaffirmed the Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to supporting the Scheme in achieving a significant impact for Nigerian youths.
“We are dedicated to transforming and reforming the NYSC, ensuring that we secure the future of our Corps members,” the minister stated.
He further advised Corps members to refrain from nighttime travel, urging them to seek shelter at the nearest military barracks, police station, or NYSC office if they find themselves travelling late.
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