FG Approves 50,000 Additional NYSC Mobilisation Slots to Address Graduate Backlog

The Federal Government has approved 50,000 additional mobilisation slots for the 2026 cycle of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a move aimed at reducing the growing backlog of Nigerian graduates awaiting participation in the national service scheme.

The Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, revealed the development in Abuja during the inauguration of a renovated clinic at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters as part of activities marking his first year in office.
Nafiu explained that the newly approved mobilisation slots have already been included in the scheme’s 2026 budget, while further provisions have been captured in the Federal Government’s 2027 fiscal plan to strengthen the welfare of corps members.
According to him, the scheme plans to mobilise about 450,000 prospective corps members this year, reflecting the increasing number of graduates produced by Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
“The Federal Government has approved 50,000 additional mobilisation slots for 2026 to accommodate the rising number of graduates waiting for national service,” Nafiu said.
The NYSC Director-General noted that despite the increase in mobilisation numbers, the scheme remains cautious in deploying corps members to areas facing security challenges.
He stated that corps members would continue to be protected from locations designated as security “red zones,” emphasising that the scheme has a duty to ensure the safety of young graduates.
“We are conscious of security concerns. As much as possible, we avoid posting corps members to red zones because we owe parents the responsibility of protecting their children,” he said.
Nafiu also disclosed that the Federal Government has made arrangements in the 2027 budget to improve the welfare of corps members. He said the planned improvements include better service kits, enhanced feeding arrangements and improved transportation allowances.
He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Yusha’u Ahmed, as well as the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for facilitating presidential approval for the new monthly allowance of ₦77,000 for corps members.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Nafiu highlighted several reforms aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the scheme. He explained that the remodelling of the NYSC headquarters clinic forms part of wider efforts to improve staff welfare and enhance organisational efficiency.
Other measures implemented during the period include the 2025 staff promotion exercise, the payment of retirement benefits to disengaged personnel and the recruitment of additional staff to strengthen manpower within the organisation.
He added that the NYSC recently received a donated compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to improve transportation for both staff and corps members.
Nafiu also revealed that the scheme is repositioning its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED) through new partnerships aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship.
According to him, NYSC has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform, allowing wider access to entrepreneurship training and digital business tools.
He further noted that the scheme has strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria to deepen institutional support for its activities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the upgraded clinic would improve staff welfare and enhance productivity within the organisation.
The minister commended Nafiu’s leadership, noting that several reforms had been implemented within a relatively short period.
Olawande reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the NYSC and expanding its role in youth development across the country.
“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. Everything possible is being done to secure the future of our corps members,” he said.
He also advised corps members to avoid travelling at night due to security risks, urging them to seek refuge in the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office if they cannot reach their destination before nightfall.
As Nigeria continues to face increasing graduate output and youth unemployment challenges, the expansion of NYSC mobilisation capacity is expected to help absorb more graduates into the national service framework while sustaining one of the country’s longest-running youth integration programmes.