President Bola Tinubu has authorized an additional 50,000 graduates to join the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2026, reducing delays and increasing opportunities for Nigerian graduates.

The announcement was made by NYSC Director-General Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu at the inauguration of a newly renovated clinic at the NYSC headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing mobilisation delays

Brigadier-General Nafiu explained that the approval was part of the government’s efforts to reduce wait times for graduates seeking national service.

“In response to concerns about long mobilisation queues, Mr President approved an additional 50,000 corps members in the 2026 budget,” he said. With this new addition, the NYSC plans to mobilise a total of 418,000 graduates next year.

The NYSC boss highlighted that the scheme has expanded significantly since 1973.

From just over a dozen corps-producing institutions mobilising 2,364 corps members at inception, Nigeria now has over 400 institutions producing roughly 600,000 graduates annually.

Nafiu emphasised that not all graduates qualify immediately due to exemptions or additional professional training for doctors, lawyers, and similar professions.

Safety and welfare priorities

The Director-General also addressed safety concerns, noting that the scheme avoids posting corps members to high-risk areas and restricts placements in sensitive locations to major cities.

He assured that the welfare and security of participants remain a top priority. The remodelled clinic at the NYSC headquarters further underscores the agency’s commitment to supporting staff and corps members.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised Nafiu for his leadership and encouraged graduates to exercise caution, especially avoiding night travel, while the government explores additional insurance and protection measures.