The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated the Scheme’s resolve to deepen the inclusion, dignity and overall welfare of corps members living with disabilities, describing the move as essential to building a responsive and forward-looking institution.
Nafiu made the pledge while speaking at the NYSC 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Orientation Workshop in Jos, Plateau State. The event brought together stakeholders from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Held under the theme “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members,” the workshop assembled directors and senior management staff, state coordinators, camp directors and other officials involved in organising orientation programmes across the country.
According to the NYSC boss, the pre-orientation workshop goes beyond routine administrative engagement, serving instead as a strategic forum for leadership interaction, experience-sharing and collective planning ahead of the orientation exercise, which he described as a critical phase of the Scheme.
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He commended officials for the smooth conduct of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course, noting that the success recorded was a result of discipline, teamwork, shared responsibility and sustained commitment, values he said have continued to strengthen the credibility of the NYSC.
Nafiu stressed the need for the orientation course to constantly adapt to Nigeria’s evolving realities, global best practices and changing youth dynamics. He said training content, structures and delivery methods must be reviewed to ensure relevance, quality and measurable outcomes that would help corps members integrate into their host communities and prepare them for life after service.
Within this framework, he disclosed that NYSC management is ready to introduce standardised protocols to ensure full inclusion of corps members with disabilities during orientation and throughout their service year, adding that the effort is rooted in dignity, equal opportunity and the principle of inclusiveness.
He explained that discussions at the workshop would focus on innovation, operational efficiency, institutional integrity and improved collaboration with stakeholders, while reinforcing the Scheme’s core values of discipline, patriotism, selfless service and national unity.
The Director-General also cautioned camp officials and corps members against misconduct, abuse and assault, warning that such acts would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He urged state coordinators and camp officials to strictly comply with established guidelines, noting that their behaviour plays a crucial role in the success of orientation camps.
Nafiu further revealed that the workshop would feature interactive sessions, including conversations on responsible technology use, enhanced training models and practical skills development for corps members. H
e encouraged participants to contribute actively and propose realistic strategies aimed at strengthening the relevance of the NYSC and its role in fostering national unity and development.
