The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has unveiled plans to adopt a new standardized protocol for handling Corps Members with disabilities during the Orientation Course and throughout the service year.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this announcement during his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Orientation Workshop held in Jos, Plateau State. The event, themed “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members,” focused on improving the welfare and inclusivity of participants in the National Service Scheme.
According to the Director-General, the initiative is part of NYSC’s broader welfare strategy aimed at promoting dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity among all Corps Members.
“It underscores our commitment to leaving no one behind and positioning the NYSC as a humane, progressive, and nationally responsive institution,” he said.
He emphasized that emotional intelligence and empathy must be key principles guiding all interactions between Corps Members and Camp officials.
General Nafiu highlighted that the Orientation Course remains the foundation of a successful service year and must continually reflect Nigeria’s realities, global best practices, and the evolving behavior of the youth.
He noted that the course should deliver relevant and measurable outcomes that would enable Corps Members to integrate into their host communities and live productive and impactful lives after service.
“It is in this context that the Pre-Orientation Workshop becomes essential because it will analyze emerging challenges and develop practical improvements that will genuinely enhance the National Service experiences and effectively address modern realities,” he said.
The Director-General commended NYSC officials and partner agencies for their teamwork, which has helped the Scheme achieve significant success in past Orientation exercises.
He encouraged workshop participants to propose ideas that will enhance innovation, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen institutional capacity. He also called for improved Camp management and stronger engagement among stakeholders.
“We expect technology-driven engagements and innovative contributions to transform the Orientation Course into a dynamic launchpad for transformative National Service that would prepare Corps Members not just to serve, but to lead, innovate, and make significant impact on national development,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Nura Umar, said the theme of the workshop was timely and strategic. He noted that it reflects the vital role of the Orientation Course in shaping the mindset, discipline, and overall conduct of Corps Members.
He explained that the workshop would review past Orientation exercises, identify challenges, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to deliver better services in Camp.
