NYSC to Deploy Corps Members Based on Security Situation, Government Policies
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reiterated that the deployment of corps members across the country will continue to be guided strictly by prevailing security conditions and relevant government policies.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Batch A Pre-Mobilisation Workshop, themed “Enhancing Service Delivery Across the NYSC Mobilisation Value Chain.”
Nafiu stressed that the safety, welfare and dignity of corps members were non-negotiable, warning that any mobilisation process that compromised these values undermined the essence of national service.
According to him, deployment decisions must reflect current security realities, government policies, and the principles of equity, fairness and transparency, adding that NYSC management remained committed to handling the responsibility with integrity and patriotism.
He described mobilisation as the heartbeat of the scheme, noting that a transparent and well-coordinated process ensured a smooth service year. He explained that mobilisation involved several stakeholders, including Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), regulatory bodies, technology and data platforms, as well as security and welfare agencies.
The NYSC boss, however, noted that persistent weaknesses along the mobilisation chain had continued to affect outcomes, stressing the need for urgent reforms ahead of the 2026 Batch A exercise.
Nafiu identified challenges linked to some CPIs, such as violations of mobilisation guidelines, uploading of unqualified graduates, inconsistent academic records, data discrepancies, record manipulation and weak internal verification systems. He said such practices threatened the credibility and reputation of the scheme.
He also acknowledged internal operational gaps within the NYSC, including inconsistent application of guidelines, poor inter-departmental coordination, delays in resolving issues and undue human interference in automated processes, warning that these issues eroded public trust.
On technology and data management, Nafiu said that despite progress in digital mobilisation, challenges such as poor data quality, limited technical skills, resistance to automation and weak feedback mechanisms persisted. He called for sustained capacity building, regular system audits and minimal human interference in automated systems.
He further emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved communication, regular review meetings and data-driven decision-making to eliminate avoidable bottlenecks.
Looking ahead, Nafiu said the mobilisation process must be repositioned to be efficient, transparent, accountable and people-centred, driven by a culture of service excellence rather than routine compliance.
He urged participants to use the workshop as a platform for frank engagement and practical reforms, noting that the credibility of the NYSC depended largely on the integrity of its mobilisation process.
In her remarks, the Director of the Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Racheal Idaewor, described the pre-mobilisation workshop as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among the NYSC, CPIs and other stakeholders.
Idaewor said the workshop reflected the scheme’s commitment to improving mobilisation processes and sustaining stakeholder confidence. She added that Information and Communication Technology remained a major asset to the scheme and, when effectively utilised, would further streamline mobilisation activities.
She urged Student Affairs Officers to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that data submitted accurately reflected the profiles of prospective corps members.
