NYSC to Mobilise Extra 50,000 Graduates in 2026

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will mobilise an additional 50,000 graduates in 2026, following approval from President Bola Tinubu.

NYSC's Director-General, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu made the announcement on Friday during the commissioning of a remodelled clinic at the scheme's headquarters to mark his first year in office.

Nafiu explained that the move was intended to ease delays in mobilisation and expand opportunities for prospective corps members.

“Government listens and acts when people bring up issues that are in their name. In response to long waits for mobilisation, Mr President approved an additional 50,000 corps members in the 2026 budget,” he said.

With the new addition, the NYSC plans to mobilise 418,000 corps members next year, reflecting the scheme’s growth since 1973. 

Nafiu stressed that while only some graduates are eligible each year, mobilisation has increased alongside the expansion of tertiary institutions nationwide.

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“We started with fewer than a dozen corps-producing institutions in 1972, mobilising 2,364 corps members. Today, over 400 institutions produce around 600,000 graduates annually,” he said.

Nafiu cited factors affecting mobilisation timelines, including delays by institutions in uploading Senate-approved lists and graduates declining postings to certain states. 

According to him, the NYSC continues to avoid deploying corps members to high-risk areas, restricting placements to state capitals and major cities when necessary.

“Safety and welfare remain our priority. We are parents ourselves and cannot toy with other people’s children,” Nafiu said.

Also speaking, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised Nafiu for impactful leadership and noted that the refurbished NYSC clinic demonstrated the scheme’s commitment to staff and corps member welfare. 

Olawande also urged corps members to avoid night travel and assured that additional security measures, including insurance coverage, were being pursued.