The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) projects that annual graduate mobilisation could rise to between 500,000 and 600,000 within the next three to five years. This projection has raised concerns over the capacity of existing orientation camps to accommodate the growing number of participants. According to Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the NYSC, the scheme mobilized approximately 400,000 prospective corps members in 2025 and about 450,000 in 2026.
The increasing number of graduates seeking to participate in the national service programme has placed considerable pressure on the Scheme's existing infrastructure and resources, particularly accommodation facilities in orientation camps. Nafiu attributed the accommodation shortfall in some orientation camps across the country to the steady increase in the number of graduates mobilised annually for national service. He noted that providing additional infrastructure required substantial financial resources and time.
The Federal Government and state governments share responsibility for maintaining and expanding orientation camps, with facilities owned by respective state governments. These governments are expected to provide necessary infrastructure and support for effective operation. The NYSC is engaging state governments to encourage them to expand existing facilities and address accommodation deficits in their respective camps.
In Ogun State, 4,315 corps members have been registered for the orientation exercise at the Sagamu camp. The Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Omolabake Adewuyi, disclosed that 3,834 were deployed to Ogun State, while 481 deployed to Lagos State had been dislodged to Ogun for the orientation exercise. Adewuyi said construction of an additional hostel block was ongoing at the camp to expand its accommodation capacity.
Adewuyi also disclosed that adequate security personnel had been deployed within and around the camp to ensure the safety of corps members, camp officials, and visitors. She said electricity and water supplies had been efficient, creating a conducive environment and boosting corps members' participation in activities lined up for the orientation exercise.
Beyond infrastructure concerns, Nafiu urged corps members to remain patriotic, disciplined, and committed to national unity throughout their service year. He cautioned them against using social media to spread misinformation, promote division, or undermine national unity. Instead, he encouraged them to use their knowledge and influence to contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous country.
The NYSC programme is designed to prepare young Nigerians for leadership and responsible citizenship. Nafiu reminded corps members to make meaningful contributions to the development of their host communities and demonstrate dedication and selflessness in their primary assignments. The director-general commended state governments that had demonstrated commitment to improving orientation camp facilities, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would produce better results.
Key points
- The NYSC expects 500,000 to 600,000 annual graduate mobilisation within five years.
- Existing orientation camp capacity is a concern due to rising graduate numbers.
- The NYSC is engaging state governments to expand facilities and address accommodation deficits.
