The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has announced that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the mobilisation of an additional 50,000 eligible graduates for national service in 2026.
Nafiu disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of a remodelled clinic at the NYSC headquarters to mark his one year in office.
According to him, the approval is part of the Federal Government’s effort to tackle the long wait experienced by graduates awaiting mobilisation.
> “Government listens and acts when people bring up issues that concern them. In response to agitation over long waits for mobilisation, Mr President approved an additional 50,000 corps members in the 2026 budget,” he said.
NYSC Mobilisation to Reach 418,000 in 2026
The NYSC DG explained that the scheme has grown significantly since its establishment in 1973, adding that with the new approval the agency plans to mobilise about 418,000 corps members in 2026.
He noted that the growth reflects the expansion of tertiary institutions in the country.
> “We started with less than 10 or 12 corps-producing institutions in 1972 and mobilised 2,364 corps members. Today we have over 400 institutions producing about 600,000 graduates yearly,” Nafiu said.
However, he explained that not all graduates are mobilised every year, as some receive exemptions while professionals such as doctors and lawyers undergo additional training before they can participate in the scheme.
Automated System and Mobilisation Delays
Nafiu also said the scheme now operates an automated mobilisation and deployment system, which regulates when graduates are called up for service.
According to him, delays often occur when tertiary institutions fail to upload Senate-approved graduation lists on the NYSC portal in time.
He also revealed that some prospective corps members decline mobilisation after being posted to certain states.
Safety Measures for Corps Members
The NYSC boss emphasised that the scheme prioritises the safety of corps members, especially in areas facing security challenges.
> “As much as possible, we do not deploy corps members to red zones. Even when they go to such states, they are restricted to state capitals and major cities,” he said.
Minister Urges Corps Members to Avoid Night Travel
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised Nafiu’s leadership within his first year in office.
Olawande also addressed security concerns involving corps members and advised them to avoid travelling at night.
> “Please do not travel at night. Travel when you can see and we can see ourselves so that we can minimise these incidents,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government is working on additional measures, including insurance coverage, to strengthen the protection of corps members nationwide.
The remodelled clinic at the NYSC headquarters was commissioned as part of efforts to improve welfare services for staff and corps members.
