The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to introduce a unified framework to ensure better inclusion and welfare for corps members living with disabilities during orientation and throughout their service year.
Speaking on Wednesday in Jos at the opening of the 2026 NYSC pre-orientation workshop, the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the proposed protocol would guide camp officials nationwide on how to effectively support corps members with special needs.
Nafiu explained that the initiative goes beyond regulatory compliance, stressing that it reflects the scheme’s commitment to dignity, fairness and equal opportunities for all participants. He said the move aligns with NYSC’s vision of becoming a compassionate and forward-looking institution that responds to the realities of a diverse Nigerian population.
Delivering the keynote address, the NYSC boss described the pre-orientation workshop as a crucial planning forum rather than a routine gathering. According to him, the meeting provides an opportunity to reassess strategies and strengthen preparations ahead of the orientation course, which he described as the foundation of the entire service year.
“The orientation course is where the NYSC experience truly begins. It is the stage at which values are shaped, discipline is nurtured and national unity is reinforced,” Nafiu said.
He noted that evolving social realities and changing youth behaviour make it necessary to continuously redesign the orientation programme in line with global best practices and national needs.
The Director-General added that the theme of the workshop, “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members,” reflects the scheme’s objective of grooming corps members into responsible, patriotic and community-oriented citizens.
Nafiu also praised NYSC management and camp officials for the smooth conduct of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ orientation exercise, attributing its success to teamwork and institutional discipline.
He disclosed that the 2026 workshop would introduce new elements, including interactive sessions, open discussions on emerging challenges, improved camp administration techniques, stronger stakeholder engagement and practical training modules aimed at equipping corps members with useful skills beyond camp.
Participants were encouraged to actively contribute to discussions to ensure the outcomes of the workshop translate into tangible improvements across orientation camps nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop, which began on January 13, is scheduled to conclude on January 16.
