The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is undergoing reforms aimed at addressing delays in corps mobilisation, as stated by the Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Nafiu identified several factors contributing to these delays, many of which are beyond the scheme’s direct control. Key issues include the late submission of graduates’ details by tertiary institutions, data inconsistencies, and administrative bottlenecks in the approval of results.
Nafiu highlighted that the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector—growing from around 10 institutions at its inception to over 120 universities, polytechnics, and monotechnics—has significantly increased the number of graduates awaiting mobilisation. This growth, along with the inclusion of graduates from foreign institutions, has complicated coordination and processing efforts. He explained that inconsistencies in candidates’ data, particularly variations in names, further contribute to delays during the verification process with government databases. The NYSC relies on data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the National Identity Management Commission, meaning that any discrepancies must be rectified by the individuals involved.
Funding constraints also impact the mobilisation process. While approximately 650,000 graduates are expected to be mobilised annually, government approval currently covers only 400,000 for the service year. However, the Federal Government has recently increased this number by an additional 50,000 for 2026. To enhance the mobilisation process, Nafiu mentioned that the NYSC has restructured its pre-mobilisation procedures, which now include mandatory training workshops for student affairs officers at tertiary institutions. These workshops are designed to minimize errors in data submission and improve understanding of the mobilisation procedures.
The NYSC has also begun addressing challenges related to online registration, which transitioned to digital platforms in 2014 to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate data capture through biometric verification. Although there have been reports of network challenges and delays at registration centres, Nafiu assured that the NYSC is working on reforms to facilitate remote registration from home.
Regarding corps members’ welfare, Nafiu pointed out the recent increase in the monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, which is linked to the national minimum wage benchmark. He emphasized that allowance alone should not define welfare and urged states and Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) to provide additional support, such as stipends, accommodation, and other basic needs. Nafiu also addressed concerns about postings, noting that many corps members tend to reject assignments in rural areas in favor of urban centers. He clarified that deployment decisions are based on national needs and available opportunities rather than strictly on graduates’ fields of study.
In conclusion, Nafiu reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to reducing delays, improving user experience, and ensuring a more efficient mobilisation system for Nigerian graduates. He emphasized the scheme’s dedication to national integration and its ongoing efforts to evolve processes in response to growing demands.
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