NYSC a vital human capital hub for national development – DG
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has described the scheme as a unique pool of human capital capable of driving Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Nafiu made the remark on Monday in Jos during the NYSC 2026 Annual Management Conference, themed “NYSC as a Catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions.”
He said the scheme’s large numerical strength, steady annual intake and the adaptability of young Nigerians from diverse academic and professional backgrounds positioned the NYSC as a critical national asset.
According to him, the focus has shifted from questioning the relevance of the scheme to deliberately deploying its collective energy, skills and patriotism to address contemporary national challenges and deliver sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing socio-economic environment.
The NYSC boss explained that the annual management conference was not a routine administrative gathering but one of the organisation’s most important internal policy platforms.
He said the forum provided an opportunity for leadership to review activities over the past year, assess performance and outcomes, and develop strategies to enhance service delivery and organisational effectiveness in the year ahead.
Nafiu noted that the conference theme reflected a realistic assessment of both the maturity of the scheme and the demands of Nigeria’s current situation.
He said the NYSC had evolved into one of the country’s most enduring public institutions and was now positioned to move beyond symbolic nation-building to making more direct and measurable contributions to national development.
The director-general added that the management remained committed to building a dynamic scheme capable of addressing emerging challenges and serving as a leading model for youth organisations in Africa.
Nafiu commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining confidence in the NYSC as a tool for promoting national unity and development.
He also praised Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mangu Local Government Area and approving additional land for agricultural activities.
According to him, the land will encourage corps members’ participation in farming while supporting efforts aimed at self-sufficiency and food security.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said the NYSC had assumed a strategic role in Nigeria’s development drive, with visible impact in education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, assured the scheme of the state government’s continued support, stressing his administration’s commitment to youth development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayudela Olawande, participated in the opening ceremony virtually.
