The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set to reform its mobilization process to align with contemporary realities, according to its Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop in Abuja, General Nafiu emphasized that the Scheme must adapt to the rapidly changing world by improving its strategies. He noted that the workshop’s theme, “Reforming Corps Mobilisation in the Contemporary Nigerian Society: Challenges and Prospects,” reflects the need for ongoing changes to ensure NYSC remains relevant in fostering national unity and development.
He highlighted that leveraging technology, strengthening security partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and focusing on skill-based deployment would enhance efficiency and improve the experience of both prospective and serving corps members. He urged participants from Corps-producing institutions nationwide to engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and prospects of the mobilization process.
“We will examine the intersections of youth development, national service, and societal transformation while exploring innovative strategies to harness the energy and ideas of Nigerian youth to build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous society,” he stated.
The Director of Corps Mobilisation, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, described the workshop as a crucial platform for collaboration between NYSC, higher institutions, and other stakeholders to refine the mobilization process. He noted that technological advancements and improved partnerships had already helped in addressing some challenges but stressed the need to tackle dishonest enrollments and other pressing concerns.
“As we prepare for another batch of NYSC mobilization, we must confront the pressing issues affecting our Corps Members. This process is vital for our nation’s growth, but it is fraught with challenges, especially the ongoing problem of dishonest enrollments. We must therefore stay alert and be proactive,” he said.
Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in his goodwill message, reaffirmed NYSC’s importance and called for strategic planning to better prepare corps members for life after their service year.
Similarly, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, represented by the FCT Mandate Secretary for Youth and Sports, Hon. Ango A. Suleiman, commended the contributions of corps members in Abuja and pledged continued government support for the Scheme.
“We will continue to partner with the Scheme to see to the successful implementation of its core objectives,” he said.