FG Increases NYSC Intake by 50,000 for 2026 Mobilisation

FG Increases NYSC Intake by 50,000 for 2026 Mobilisation

The Federal Government has approved an additional 50,000 slots for the 2026 mobilisation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a move aimed at accommodating the growing number of Nigerian graduates awaiting national service.

The Director-General of the scheme, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of a remodelled clinic at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, marking the first anniversary of his tenure as chief executive of the organisation.

According to a statement issued by the scheme’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, Nafiu explained that the newly approved slots had already been incorporated into the NYSC’s 2026 budget.

He also revealed that additional provisions have been included in the Federal Government’s 2027 budget framework to improve the welfare of corps members, including enhancements to their kits, feeding arrangements and transportation allowances.

Nafiu noted that the scheme is targeting the mobilisation of about 450,000 prospective corps members this year while taking measures to prioritise their safety during deployment.

“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.

The NYSC boss explained that the remodelling of the headquarters clinic formed part of broader initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and operational efficiency within the organisation.

He also highlighted several achievements recorded during the past year, including the conduct of the 2025 staff promotion exercise designed to support career advancement and boost morale among employees.

According to Nafiu, the management also facilitated the payment of peculiar allowances to staff, settled retirement benefits for disengaged personnel and carried out a recruitment exercise to strengthen the scheme’s workforce.

He further disclosed that the organisation recently received a compressed natural gas bus donation to enhance mobility for both staff and corps members.

In addition, Nafiu said efforts were ongoing to strengthen the scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme through new partnerships.

As part of the initiative, the NYSC has collaborated with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform and expand opportunities for corps members.

He added that the scheme’s management has also been engaging with stakeholders including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria to strengthen institutional support for the programme.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who commissioned the upgraded clinic, said the improved facility would enhance staff welfare and boost productivity within the organisation.

Olawande assured that the ministry would continue to support reforms aimed at strengthening the NYSC and expanding its impact on Nigerian youths.

“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our corps members,” he said.

The minister also advised corps members to prioritise their safety, particularly during inter-state travel.

“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.