NYSC DG Nafiu Urges Oyo Corps Members to Embrace Discipline, Entrepreneurship

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has urged corps members participating in the 2026 Batch C Stream II Orientation Course in Oyo State to prioritize discipline, strategic relationships, and entrepreneurial independence. During a working visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Nafiu emphasized that these values are crucial for personal advancement and national development. He congratulated the corps members on their academic accomplishments and successful transition into national service.

Nafiu described the NYSC scheme as a strategic platform for leadership development, character formation, and national integration. He stressed that discipline remains indispensable to effective leadership, urging the corps members to internalize the values of the scheme and distinguish themselves through responsible conduct, patriotism, and commitment to national service. The NYSC DG highlighted the importance of cross-cultural interaction and strategic networking in fostering national cohesion and broadening perspectives.

The Director-General drew attention to the NYSC's Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, established in 2012 to equip young graduates with marketable vocational competencies and entrepreneurial capabilities. He encouraged the corps members to maximize the opportunities provided by the initiative, develop viable business ventures, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset rather than depending exclusively on paid employment. Nafiu urged them to approach their service year with a strong sense of purpose, professionalism, and dedication.

Addressing the growing pressure on orientation camp facilities, Nafiu assured that the NYSC management would intensify efforts to expand infrastructure through strategic partnerships with state governments and other stakeholders. He noted that the number of graduates mobilized annually has risen from about 400,000 in 2025 to approximately 450,000 in 2026, putting pressure on existing facilities. To address this, Nafiu laid the foundation for the construction of a 500-capacity hostel at the Oyo State Orientation Camp, Iseyin.

The NYSC DG's visit also included the presentation of cash gifts to selected corps members and the donation of three cows to the entire 2026 Batch C Stream II corps members. The Oyo State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, commended the impressive discipline, enthusiasm, and effective coordination recorded during the orientation course. He disclosed that 4,547 corps members registered for the 2026 Batch C Stream II orientation exercise in the state.

Peters described Nafiu's visit as a significant demonstration of the scheme's leadership commitment to the welfare and well-being of corps members. The visit climaxed with a colourful cultural display by the corps cultural troops. Nafiu's engagement with the corps members reflects the NYSC's efforts to ensure a productive and impactful service year.

The NYSC scheme continues to play a vital role in shaping the lives of young graduates and promoting national integration. With a focus on discipline, entrepreneurship, and strategic networking, the corps members are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their respective communities. As they proceed to their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs), they are expected to reflect the ideals of the scheme and contribute to the country's developmental challenges.

Key points

• NYSC DG Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu urges Oyo corps members to prioritize discipline, strategic relationships, and entrepreneurial independence.
• The NYSC scheme has equipped over 400,000 graduates with skills and entrepreneurial capabilities through its SAED programme since 2012.
• The NYSC management plans to expand infrastructure through strategic partnerships to address the growing pressure on orientation camp facilities.