The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed its decision to reform the scheme for more effectiveness and in order to boost national development.
The corps also said that it will develop a scheme that is dynamic enough to meet new challenges and become the leading light of youth organisations in Africa.
This was made known in Jos the Plateau State capital by the NYSC Director-General (DG) Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu at its 2026 Annual Management Conference, with the theme, ‘NYSC as a Catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions,’.
“Established in 1973 as a post-conflict tool for unity and integration, the NYSC has grown into one of Nigeria’s most enduring public institutions. Having matured, the Scheme is now positioned to move beyond symbolic nation-building toward more direct and measurable contributions to national development.
“With its substantial numerical strength, consistent yearly intake, and the flexibility of young Nigerians from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the NYSC represents a unique pool of human capital within Nigeria.
“The key question we face is no longer about relevance but about deliberate deployment-how this collective energy, skill, and patriotism can be systematically harnessed to address current challenges and create sustainable solutions in a fast-changing socio-economic environment.
“Our internal review of the past year has clearly shown that we must embrace change and continuous growth. Management is therefore dedicated to reforms that strengthen systems, enhance service delivery, and align our operations with current realities.
“This commitment is based on our vision, “to develop a Scheme that is dynamic enough to meet new challenges and become the leading light of youth organisations in Africa,” the DG said.
In his remarks, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, said it is heartwarming that the Management of the NYSC chose Plateau State as the venue for this important conference which buttresses the fact that indeed peace has since returned to Plateau State, and that the state is a safe haven for all peace-loving Nigerians and foreigners alike.
According to him, since the NYSC was established mainly as an interventionist programme to promote national unity and integration at the wake of the nation’s 30 months civil war, the scheme has grown to assume a strategic role in our national life and in the nation’s stride towards development.
Represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo, the governor said as part of his administration’s commitment to youth development and in recognition of the strategic role the NYSC plays in the collective drive towards unity and socio-economic development, he personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Mangu Local Government Area Plateau State in 2025 and gave immediate directive for renovation work to commence at the camp.
He said this also included completion of the remaining portions of the camp including staff quarters, expansion of the multipurpose hall, completion of the water treatment plan, conversion of the power supply from national grid to solar.
“I have directed the addition of several hectares of land to the NYSC camp for agricultural purposes. With the pace of work at the camp, I am confident that the 2026 Batch
‘B’ Orientation Exercise will hold at the camp,” he added.
In his remarks, the Plateau State NYSC Coordinator, Yavala Iliya, premised the corps in the state will endeavour to contribute their quota to national development as well as the development of Plateau State and the communities.
Meanwhile, the Director-General (DG) has called for the need for corp members to be trained and orientated for their life-long journey which they ought to be useful instrument in the society. He also tasked the NYSC camp officials and coordinator’s alike to ensure the corp members are well moulded into their host communities for effective service.
The DG made this call again in Jos at the 2026 Batch ‘A’ pre orientation course workshop for stakeholders, members of the NYSC Top Management, State Coordinators, camp officials and other partners alike. This was few days after he revealed that the scheme is set for reformation.
“The forthcoming Orientation Course is an exercise designed to
mold our prospective corps members into disciplined patriots, socially responsible citizens, and committed partners in nation-building.
“We are all aware that the Orientation Course constitutes the bedrock of the entire NYSC service year. It is where service begins, character is
forged, and citizenship is affirmed. As such, it must continuously evolve to reflect national realities, global best practices, and the changing dynamics of youth behaviour.
“The Orientation Course must be reimagined to ensure relevance, quality,
and measurable outcomes that enable corps members to integrate seamlessly into
host communities and transition to productive, impactful lives beyond national service.
“The energy, skill, and patriotism from the NYSC can be systematically harnessed to address current challenges and create sustainable solutions in a fast-changing socio-economic environment,” he said.