The National Youth Service Corps has declared its readiness to undergo reforms aimed at addressing emerging national challenges and strengthening its contribution to national development.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, stated this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 NYSC Annual Management Conference in Jos, Plateau State.
According to Nafiu, the scheme has matured and is positioned to move beyond symbolic nation-building to more direct and measurable national impact.
“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,” he said.
The NYSC DG stressed the need for the scheme to adapt to changing population dynamics, security realities, and technological advancements.
“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,” Nafiu added.
He encouraged participants at the conference to critically review operational frameworks, share experiences, and propose innovative ideas aimed at improving the scheme’s performance and impact.
“The NYSC represents a unique pool of human capital within Nigeria, with its substantial numerical strength, consistent yearly intake, and the flexibility of young Nigerians from diverse academic and professional backgrounds,” he said.
Nafiu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for their continued support for the scheme.
Mutfwang, who declared the conference open, commended the NYSC for its contributions to national development.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, the governor said, “The NYSC has grown to assume a strategic role in our national life and in the nation’s stride towards development.”
He announced the renovation of the NYSC orientation camp in Mangu Local Government Area and the allocation of additional land to the camp for agricultural purposes.
“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 be held at the camp,” he said.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was also acknowledged for his strategic guidance and commitment to the objectives of the NYSC.
The conference, themed “NYSC as a catalyst for national development: Tackling present challenges and charting sustainable solutions,” is expected to foster robust discussions and generate actionable strategies to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness nationwide.