The National Youth Service Corps has declared its readiness to undergo reforms aimed at addressing new national challenges and boosting its contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director General of the NYSC, made the announcement on Monday during the opening of the 2026 NYSC Annual Management Conference in Jos, Plateau State.
“The key question for us is no longer about relevance, but deliberate deployment — how the collective energy, skill, and patriotism of our corps members can be systematically harnessed to tackle present-day challenges and deliver sustainable solutions,” Nafiu said.
He noted that the NYSC scheme has matured over the years and is ready to move beyond symbolic nation-building to more measurable and impactful initiatives.
“Our internal review of the past year shows that embracing change and continuous growth is essential. We are committed to reforms that strengthen systems, enhance service delivery, and align operations with current realities,” he added.
Nafiu also urged participants to review operations, share experiences, and introduce innovative ideas to improve the scheme’s performance.
“The NYSC represents a unique pool of human capital in Nigeria, with its annual intake, diverse backgrounds, and flexibility. Properly guided, this resource can be a catalyst for national development,” he emphasized.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who declared the conference open and was represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo, commended the NYSC for its national impact.
He also announced the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mangu Local Government Area and the allocation of additional land for agricultural activities.
“I have directed that several hectares be added to the NYSC camp for agricultural purposes. With this development, I am confident that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Exercise will hold as scheduled at the camp,” the governor stated.
The conference, themed “NYSC as a Catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions,” seeks to promote informed discussions and generate actionable strategies to enhance the NYSC’s performance and societal impact.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was also acknowledged for his strategic guidance and support for the scheme.
