NYSC to Strengthen Skills, Values-Based Training for Corps Members
Oru Leonard
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, values and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to national development, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course.
Speaking at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Orientation Course Workshop in Abuja, the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, described the Orientation Course as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future and called for sustained efforts to strengthen its impact.
According to him, the orientation programme should go beyond routine activities to become a platform for fostering responsible citizenship, leadership and national development.
Nafiu noted that the growing number of prospective corps members presents both logistical challenges and opportunities for the Scheme to expand its developmental reach. He urged state governments to fulfill their obligations by providing functional and befitting orientation camps capable of accommodating the increasing corps population.
“This context underscores the importance of both comprehensive review and inclusive participation in these workshops,” he said, adding that aligning orientation activities with national priorities would help maximise the benefits of the programme.
The NYSC boss also charged camp officials to serve as role models by demonstrating discipline, integrity and professionalism in their interactions with corps members.
“Demonstrate good conduct so that Corps Members can look up to you. Guide and inspire them, and make it clear that unethical behaviour by camp officials and Corps Members will not be tolerated,” he stated.
Highlighting the growing influence of technology, Nafiu advocated the constructive use of digital media platforms in orientation programmes. He said corps members should be trained on responsible online behaviour and effective community mobilisation through digital tools.
The Director-General further stressed the importance of security awareness and sustained collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of orientation camps nationwide.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Nura Umar, said the workshop was convened to evaluate previous orientation courses, identify existing gaps and improve planning for future exercises.
He explained that the workshop theme, “Strengthening the Orientation Course to Advance National Priorities and Contemporary Challenges,” reflects the pivotal role of the Orientation Course in shaping the values, conduct and service experience of corps members.
Umar noted that the programme remains a vital tool for instilling discipline, patriotism and national values among young graduates, urging participants to leverage the workshop to enhance camp management and service delivery across the country.
The workshop brought together key NYSC officials and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving the effectiveness of the Orientation Course and ensuring it remains responsive to emerging national needs and challenges.
