The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NYSC

  • NYSC to mobilise 650,000 graduates for service in 2026

    NYSC to mobilise 650,000 graduates for service in 2026

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will mobilise no fewer than 650,000 graduates from within and outside Nigeria for the mandatory service programme next year.

    Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the 7th National Day of Identity organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Oluseye disclosed that about 400,000 corps members were mobilised this year, emphasising the importance of a secure and trusted National Identity Database in the mobilisation process.

    He explained that the integration of National Identity Numbers (NIN) has improved transparency, citing a 2023 case where an investigative journalist attempting multiple fraudulent registrations was exposed through the system.

    Read Also: Re: Loan for NYSC members

    According to him, the robust system now makes it practically impossible for ineligible individuals to be mobilised as corps members.

    The NYSC boss commended the collaboration between NIMC and NYSC, noting that it has eliminated multiple registrations and fraudulent enrolments, while also making the mobilisation process faster and more efficient.

    He assured that the Corps is addressing remaining challenges to ensure an even smoother mobilisation exercise going forward.

  • Re: Loan for NYSC members

    Re: Loan for NYSC members

    • By Bilkisu Ahmed Shekarau

    The Nation’s editorial of August 22, 2025, titled “Loan for Corps Members” rightly drew attention to the Federal Government’s new policy aimed at supporting Nigerian youths during their National Youth Service. It is important to place the initiative in a broader context so as to recognize its significance beyond immediate criticisms.

    When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited an economy struggling to provide opportunities for its youth—the largest demographic in the country. Any government that ignores this reality risks political, economic, and social instability.

    The new scheme, which combines a N77,000 monthly allowance with a N200,000 soft loan, is therefore a strategic investment in national stability. It seeks not only to cushion corps members during service but also to equip them with seed capital for enterprise and innovation.

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    Already, the scheme has a visible impact. Corps members are now more willing to serve across the country rather than clinging to familiar regions, fostering greater national integration. Federal agencies have also aligned with this vision.

    The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for instance, has expanded access to higher education by enabling over 400,000 students to secure tuition loans in both universities and technical institutions. Likewise, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) recently rolled out a N5 billion grant for young entrepreneurs, opening further pathways to economic participation.

    The Nation’s editorial rightly noted that youth empowerment can not be left to the Federal Government. States and local governments must complement through scholarships, mentorship, and economic incentives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nigeria must shed the image of being a consumer nation by turning its youthful energy toward production and innovation.

    This policy also builds on earlier efforts, such as the Not Too Young to Run initiative under President Muhammadu Buhari. Although limited in impact due to the financial disadvantage of young aspirants against entrenched politicians, the current reforms give youths a stronger economic footing to participate not only in business but also in governance.

    The active involvement of the youth in the economy and in government will deepen democracy due to their fresh perspectives and ideas. Nigeria is often called the “giant of Africa.” To live up to that name, the most populous black nation must translate its human and natural resources into tangible opportunities for its citizens—especially its youth.

    The loan scheme for corps members may not be perfect, but it is a commendable step in that direction. Rather than dismissing it, stakeholders should strengthen and expand it to ensure Nigerian youths are not left behind in shaping the country’s economic, social, and political future.

    • Bilkisu Shekarau, a PRNigeria intern, is a Mass Communication student at Nile University, Abuja.
    • Email: bashekarau@gmail.com

  • NYSC: Redefining national service

    NYSC: Redefining national service

    Sir: When the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973, it was hailed as a bold initiative to heal a divided nation. The scars of the Nigerian Civil War were still fresh, and the scheme was designed to foster unity, cultural integration, and patriotism among the country’s young graduates. For decades, it served as a rite of passage, bringing together youths from different ethnic and religious backgrounds under one national banner.

    Today, however, the NYSC is battling for survival. What was once a noble institution has become the subject of heated debate. With insecurity, poor welfare, and questions about relevance dominating discussions, many are asking: has the scheme outlived its purpose, or does it simply need urgent reform?

    The biggest concern facing corps members is insecurity. In recent years, young graduates deployed to volatile areas have fallen victim to kidnapping, insurgency, and communal clashes. Parents often express fear when their children are posted to certain regions, while some graduates resort to desperate measures to secure redeployment to safer states. The question many Nigerians are now asking is whether national service should come at the risk of young lives.

    Another major challenge is welfare. The monthly allowance of N33,000, though increased a few years ago, has been swallowed by inflation and the rising cost of living. Corps members often complain that their stipends barely cover feeding, transport and accommodation. Many end up depending on their families for survival, defeating the very essence of an independent national service year.

    Orientation camps, which are meant to be the foundation of the service year, also reflect the cracks in the system. While some camps boast of modern facilities, others are overcrowded and poorly maintained. Reports of inadequate toilets, shortage of water, and poor medical services have become common. For many corps members, the three-week camp is not just an orientation but a struggle to endure discomfort.

    Beyond infrastructure, the relevance of the NYSC in today’s economy is also under scrutiny. The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme was introduced to empower corps members with vocational skills, but its impact has been limited. Many graduates complain of lack of materials, poorly trained instructors, and no follow-up support after training. As a result, the programme, though promising on paper, has failed to live up to its potential.

    Critics argue that the scheme is not aligned with Nigeria’s current developmental needs. In a world driven by digital technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, NYSC still focuses heavily on routine postings and ceremonial community projects. For many graduates, the service year becomes a compulsory ritual rather than an opportunity to acquire skills that could transform their futures.

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    Because of these challenges, calls for reform—or even outright scrapping—have grown louder. Some Nigerians insist that the scheme has outlived its usefulness and now endangers the lives of young people. Others, however, maintain that NYSC remains one of the few institutions that bring Nigerians together, and that rather than scrapping it, the government should reform it to meet modern realities.

    Among the reforms being suggested are increasing corps members’ allowances, redeploying them only to safe areas, and upgrading camp facilities nationwide. Others believe the postings should be tied more closely to national needs in education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital innovation, so that corps members contribute directly to sectors that matter most.

    Despite its flaws, NYSC still carries a symbolic weight. It remains one of the few experiences that unite Nigerian youths, exposing them to cultures beyond their own. In villages and towns across the country, many corps members have touched lives through teaching, healthcare, and community development. The scheme’s potential for good is undeniable—if only it can be reformed to reflect the realities of the 21st century.

    As Nigeria looks to the future, the choice is clear. The NYSC must either be transformed into a dynamic institution that truly empowers youths and strengthens national unity, or risk fading into irrelevance as another once-great idea that failed to evolve with time.

    Ladi Maxwell, University of Maiduguri.

  • Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    The Commander 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brigadier General B.O Omopariola, had lauded the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and NYSC in Katsina state

    The commander who made the commendation in Katsina during the one year anniversary celebration of the tenure of the state coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, said Military -NYSC relationship has remained symbiotic since the establishment of the service corps in 1973

    He said ‘’I must say the Military -NYSC relationship has remained excellent and extremely interactive over the years and we relish that ‘

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    “Again my relationship with NYSC in katsina over the years has remained extremely cordial and warmth and we shall maintain that, especially in the promotion of a disciplined service corps.”

    The event brought together staff, dignitaries, Corps members, their families, and friends, showcasing the collaborative spirit that has flourished throughout the period.

    The highlight of the ceremony was of the cutting of the one year anniversary cake, attended by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari, who stood alongside Alhaji Saidu as a testament to the administrative support and unity of purpose.

  • Gov Sani charges NYSC members to serve with dedication, integrity

    Gov Sani charges NYSC members to serve with dedication, integrity

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to serve with dedication, integrity, and respect for the values of their host communities.

    Sani, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation course in Kaduna.

    He congratulated the corps members on successfully completing their three-week orientation, urging them to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    The governor emphasised the importance of security consciousness and encouraged corps members to take advantage of the post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to become self-reliant.

    He further appealed to employers of labour to warmly receive corps members posted to their organisations, stressing that such support would enable them to discharge their duties with enthusiasm.

    Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Efeke Dadaza, commended the corps members for their discipline, commitment, and active participation in camp activities.

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    She said the corps members had been adequately equipped to proceed to their various places of primary assignment, urging them to remain good ambassadors of the scheme.

    Dadaza also encouraged them to identify the needs of their host communities and contribute positively through Community Development Service (CDS) projects.

    She urged them to build on their SAED training to become job creators, stressing that self-reliance remained key to overcoming unemployment challenges.

    The coordinator expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, stakeholders, and camp officials for their support, which, she said, contributed to the success of the orientation course.

  • Rita’s certificate withheld because of failed biometric clearance in April – NYSC

    Rita’s certificate withheld because of failed biometric clearance in April – NYSC

    …scheme extends her service by two months

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has explained that it withheld the Certificate of National Service (CNS) of Ushie Rita Uguamaye (State Code: LA/24B/8325) due to her failure to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, not because of her criticisms of the current administration.

    In a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja by its Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme said Rita is among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for disciplinary reasons, in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws.

    The NYSC also disclosed that her service has been extended by two months.

    Rita had earlier posted a video on social media lamenting economic hardship and urging the Federal Government to find solutions, a move some interpreted as a breach of the NYSC rule barring corps members from publicly speaking against the government. However, the scheme clarified that the sanction was solely tied to her missed clearance.

    The statement by NYSC reads, “The NYSC Management wishes to clarify misleading information circulating on social media regarding Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, State Code number LA/24B/8325. Contrary to false claims that she was denied a Certificate of National Service (CNS) due to critical remarks about the government, this assertion is entirely unfounded and false in its entirety.

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    “Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service (CNS), were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.

    “It is important to note that this extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, and the principle of equal treatment was only applied in this case.

    “The NYSC Management thus urges the public to approach this matter with understanding, as extending service for non-compliance is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicised.

    “The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate, in line with the dictates of the constitution.”

  • CREDICORP, NYSC seal deal on N9b scheme

    CREDICORP, NYSC seal deal on N9b scheme

    • Programme to empower fresh graduates
    • Serving corps members to access up to N200,000 credit facility

    The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enable serving corps members access up to N200,000 each.

    According to the MoU, eligible corps members will access up to N200,000 single-digit interest loan under the “YouthCred” initiative.

    Speaking at the signing of the MoU yesterday in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Credicorp, Uzoma Nwagba, said N9 billion has been earmarked for the first phase of the programme.

    Nwagba said the programme was in fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address on June 12, when he promised that a credit initiative targeting 400,000 Nigerians, including youth corps members, would begin.

    He also said the first phase of YouthCred focuses on NYSC members, who will be required to complete a short digital credit education programme before becoming eligible for the credit facility.

    According to him, the loans are intended to support a range of needs, including relocation, purchase of work tools or devices, skills training, and funding for small businesses.

    Describing the corps as a “national gold mine for credit reorientation,” Nwagba assured everyone that both bodies would ensure that YouthCred is an integral part of the NYSC scheme.

    He said: “The heart of YouthCred is actually not just credit, but credit orientation that is teaching young Nigerians, especially as they are coming into the workforce, teaching them good credit habits, teaching them how to build a credit history, teaching them how to plan financially and borrow responsibly, and then ultimately also giving them credits that enables them to access goods and services.”

    Nwagba said corps members would be eligible to access smaller amounts after completing its credit education scheme, and would access larger sums of up to N200,000 after paying up their previous loan.

    “Our first target for this is N9 billion. But like I said in the signing ceremony, the loans will grow, and the amounts will grow as the programme continues to gain adoption,” he added.

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    The Credicorp chief executive urged corps members to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that financial discipline and timely repayment would be critical to the sustainability and expansion of the scheme.

    The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, hailed President Tinubu for kicking off the programme with the scheme.

    Describing the MoU signing as epoch-making, the NYSC DG noted that the YouthCred programme would have a positive impact on both corps members and the NYSC scheme as a body.

    The director general said the initiative would not only enhance the financial independence of corps members but also contribute to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and responsible credit use among Nigerian youth.

    Nafiu noted that many corps members possess innovative ideas and business acumen but are often hindered by a lack of access to start-up capital.

    The DG noted that with YouthCred, young Nigerians now have a platform to kick-start their ventures and acquire essential tools that would make them more productive during and after their service year.

  • CREDICORP, NYSC sign agreement on N9bn programme to empower corps members

    CREDICORP, NYSC sign agreement on N9bn programme to empower corps members

    …serving corps members to access up to N200,000 credit facility

    The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that would lead to the empowerment of serving corps members with credit facilities of up to N200,000 per individual.

    According to the MoU, eligible corps members would access up to N200,000 single-digit interest loan under the “YouthCred” initiative.

    Speaking at the signing of the MoU in Abuja on Wednesday, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, said N9billion has been earmarked for the first phase of the programme.

    Nwagba said the programme was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address on June 12, where he promised that a credit initiative targeting 400,000 Nigerians, including youth corps members, would commence.

    He said that the first phase of YouthCred focuses on NYSC members, who will be required to complete a short digital credit education programme before becoming eligible for the credit facility.

    According to him, the loans are intended to support a range of needs, including relocation, purchase of work tools or devices, skills training, and funding for small businesses.

    Describing the Corps as a ‘National gold mine for credit reorientation’, Nwagba assured that both bodies would ensure that YouthCred is an integral part of the NYSC scheme.

    He said, “The heart of YouthCred is actually not just credit, but credit orientation that is teaching young Nigerians, especially as they are coming into the workforce, teaching them good credit habits, teaching them how to build a credit history, teaching them how to plan financially and borrow responsibly, and then ultimately also giving them credits that enables them to access goods and services.”

    Nwagba said that corps members would be eligible for smaller amounts after completing its credit education scheme, and would access larger sums of up to N200,000 after paying up their previous loan.

    “Our first target for this is N9 billion. But like I said in the signing ceremony, the loans will grow, and the amounts will grow as the programme continues to gain adoption,” he added.

    Read Also: NYSC urges infrastructural upgrade in Anambra camp

    He also urged corps members to take full advantage of the opportunity, adding that financial discipline and timely repayment would be critical to the sustainability and expansion of the scheme.

    Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, lauded President Tinubu for commencing the programme with the Scheme.

    Describing the MoU signing as epoch-making, the NYSC DG noted that the YouthCred programme will have a positive impact on both corps members and the NYSC scheme as a whole.

    The director-general said the initiative would not only enhance the financial independence of corps members but also contribute significantly to national development by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and responsible credit use among Nigerian youth.

    Nafiu noted that many corps members possess innovative ideas and business acumen but are often hindered by a lack of access to startup capital.

    He noted that with YouthCred, these young Nigerians now have a platform to kickstart their ventures and acquire essential tools that would make them more productive during and after their service year.

    He assured that the NYSC will collaborate with CREDICORP to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative, including integrating the credit education module into corps members’ orientation and training programmes.

    The NYSC chief said, “I am glad, and I want to thank the MD/CEO of CrediCorps and his staff for this initiative and partnership. I particularly would like to appreciate His Excellency, Mr President, for having the Nigerian youths at heart. And driving this initiative.

    “It shows that Mr President is committed to this. And he’s passionate about this. We are glad that we are recognised at that level.”

  • Corps members ‘season

    Corps members ‘season

    • Presidential honour, increased allowances are ways of putting smiles on corps members’ faces

    This can appropriately be tagged youth corps members’ season. Just last year, the Federal Government increased corps members’ stipend from N33,000 to N77,000, in line with the country’s economic realities.

    And now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured some deserving youth corps members. Again, just as the affected corps members were celebrating the honours, came also the news that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has raised corps members’ allowance in the state from N20,000 to N30,000. The state is thus one of the states that have increased corps members allowance to reflect the country’s economic reality.

     In all the instances, that should be the spirit.

    Tinubu announced the honourees at the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020-2023) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. By so doing, the president only continued in the tradition of the Federal Government to honour deserving corps members annually.

    Governor Fintiri and other governors who have increased corps members’ allowance too only did what a public official who is in a position to better the lot of these young ones on national service should do to make life meaningful for them.

    National service used to be a pleasant experience that many a graduate looked forward to. Many establishments readily supported the corps members with free accommodation, subsidised transport fare and generally augmented whatever the NYSC paid the corps members as allowances.

    But that was then.

     It would seem that was indeed the era that the corps members were seen as valuables tools for national development.

    Yet, this was a laudable scheme with the main goal of cementing the bond of unity among young Nigerian youths.

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    Since its establishment in 1973, the Federal Government has taken some measures to build and sustain the confidence of participants in the scheme. One of these measures was its institution of awards for corps members who distinguished themselves during the one year national service in 1974.

    The NYSC National Honours Award is a significant feature in the annual calendar of events of the scheme.  Several corps members have received the national honours.

    So, it didn’t come as a surprise that President Tinubu decided to follow in the tradition by honouring corps members who distinguished themselves during the 2020-2023 service years.

    The president approved immediate employment of the 200 honourees into the federal civil service. He also awarded each of them N250,000 in recognition of their outstanding service.

    The president did not forget 10 corps members who suffered one disability or the other in the course of their national service as they were also offered automatic employment.

    “We will never forget their sacrifice,” he noted.

    Each of the honourees was also awarded a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate programme at any Nigerian university.

    “In appreciation of their service to the nation, all the awardees will receive N250,000.

    “Finally, each award recipient will be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to a degree in any university in the country,” Tinubu declared.

    The President was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. He commended the awardees for their “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.”

    We commend the president for continuing in the annual NYSC tradition, but which for one reason or the other did not hold for some time (hence the combination of three years 2020-2023).

    We also praise the honourees who were selected among the thousands of them that participated in the service for being worthy of such recognition.

    In like manner, we thank Governor Fintiri and his colleagues who have put smiles on the faces of the corps members in their own little way. This is quite thoughtful of them.

    We urge the corps members to reciprocate the kind gestures by rededicating themselves to the core values of the national service.

    We also seize this opportunity to remind the NYSC about the case of some of the corps members who are yet to benefit from the arrears of the increased stipend that the Federal Government approved for them last year.

    They are waiting expectantly. NYSC should make it happen.

  • Court declares NYSC skirt ban unconstitutional

    Court declares NYSC skirt ban unconstitutional

    The federal high court in Abuja has declared the National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) refusal to permit female corps members to wear skirts in accordance with their religious beliefs as unconstitutional.

    In a landmark judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, Hauwa Yilwa, judge of the federal high court, held that compelling female participants in the scheme to wear trousers — contrary to their religious convictions — amounted to a breach of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and relevant human rights instruments.

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    The case was brought by two former corps members,Ogunjobi Blessing and Ayuba Vivian, who argued that the NYSC’s uniform policy infringed upon their Christian faith, which, “according to Deuteronomy 22:5, prohibits women from donning attire traditionally associated with men”.

    The suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, were initially filed separately against the NYSC and its director-general but were later consolidated due to their shared subject matter.