NYSC Seeks Stronger Orientation Camps, Digital Skills for Corps Members
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NYSC Seeks Stronger Orientation Camps, Digital Skills for Corps Members
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called for stronger orientation programmes and improved camp facilities to prepare corps members for national development and emerging societal challenges.
Nafiu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Pre-Orientation Course Workshop.
He said the NYSC Orientation Course must go beyond routine activities and serve as a platform for instilling values, citizenship, leadership and skills needed to advance national priorities.
According to him, the growing population of prospective corps members has increased the need for state governments to fulfil their obligations to the scheme by providing functional and befitting orientation camps.
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“As the corps population continues to grow, it is imperative for state governments to appreciate and fulfil their responsibilities to the scheme through the provision of befitting and functional orientation camps,” he said.
The NYSC boss noted that the increasing number of corps members presents both logistical challenges and opportunities for greater national impact, stressing that orientation programmes should be aligned with national development goals.
“Effectively managing this growing number of corps members presents not only logistical challenges but also an opportunity to expand our developmental impact as a scheme. By aligning orientation content with national priorities, we can ensure that a larger intake yields better results,” he added.
Nafiu also urged camp officials to uphold high ethical standards and serve as role models for corps members throughout the orientation exercise.
He warned against misconduct, saying unethical behaviour by both camp officials and corps members would not be tolerated.
The Director-General further advocated the use of digital media tools in orientation activities, noting that corps members should be trained on responsible online conduct and the use of digital platforms for community engagement and mobilization.
He also stressed the need to prioritise security awareness and sustain collaboration with security agencies to guarantee the safety of orientation camps across the country.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the NYSC, Nura Umar, said the workshop was organised to assess previous orientation courses, identify gaps and develop strategies for improving future exercises.
Umar said the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening the Orientation Course to Advance National Priorities and Contemporary Challenges,” highlights the critical role of the orientation programme in shaping the values, discipline and service experience of corps members.
He added that the orientation course remains a vital tool for promoting patriotism, discipline and national unity among Nigerian youths, urging participants to make recommendations that would enhance camp management and service delivery.
