NYSC Now Mobilises 400,000 Corps Members Every Year, Says DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has said the scheme recorded remarkable growth since its establishment in 1973, expanding from an initial intake of 2,364 corps members to about 400,000 mobilised annually.

General Nafiu said that the steady growth of the NYSC shows the Nigeria’s education system was expanding and there ws increasing relevance of the scheme in promoting national unity and integration.

He disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during a media interaction with management of the NYSC and correspondents covering the scheme.

“The scheme has grown tremendously. From 2,364 corps members in 1973-1974, we now mobilise about 400,000 annually, limited only by budgetary constraints. If resources permit, we can mobilise over 600,000.

“Today, we mobilise from 419 institutions nationwide, aside from Nigerians who study abroad and return home to serve. We have made registration and mobilisation more user-friendly.

“When challenges arose, we apologise publicly and extend registration timelines. We are also encouraging Nigerians abroad to return and fulfil this constitutional requirement. Many who return discover a favourable environment and decide to stay back,” he stated.

The Director-General further said NYSC currently mobilises graduates from 419 tertiary institutions across the country, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and specialised colleges, in addition to Nigerians who obtain degrees abroad and return home to serve.

He also disclosed that the NYSC had made efforts to simplify registration and mobilisation processes, including extending registration timelines when challenges occurred, and encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to return home to fulfil their constitutional service requirement.

He clarified that the scheme remained open to all eligible graduates, regardless of age, noting that some Nigerians who were unable to serve earlier in life later returned to complete their service.

Earlier, the Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC, Mrs Caroline Embu, commended journalists for their professionalism and responsible reporting, urging them to sustain the partnership with the scheme, while expressing optimism for stronger collaboration in 2026 and beyond.