The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has said that the deployment of corps members must be guided strictly by prevailing security realities and relevant government policies.
Nafiu made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Batch A Pre-Mobilisation Workshop, themed “Enhancing Service Delivery Across the NYSC Mobilisation Value Chain.”
He stressed that the safety, welfare and dignity of corps members remain non-negotiable, warning that any mobilisation process that compromises these values undermines the essence of national service.
“Deployment decisions should be guided by current security conditions, existing government policies, and the principles of equity, fairness and transparency,” he said.
According to him, any mobilisation process that places corps members at risk weakens the foundation of the scheme, adding that NYSC management is committed to discharging its responsibilities with integrity, patriotism and professionalism.
Nafiu described mobilisation as the backbone of the scheme, noting that when it is carried out with precision and transparency, the entire service year runs smoothly. He explained that the process involves multiple stakeholders, including Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), regulatory bodies, technology platforms, and security and welfare coordination mechanisms.
He, however, observed that weaknesses still exist at different stages of the mobilisation chain, leading to outcomes that fall short of expectations. He said these issues must be addressed decisively ahead of the 2026 Batch A mobilisation.
The NYSC boss identified recurring challenges linked to some CPIs, including violations of mobilisation guidelines, uploading of unqualified graduates, inconsistent academic records, data discrepancies, record manipulation and weak internal verification systems.
He warned that such practices damage the credibility of the process and expose the scheme to operational and reputational risks, urging heads of institutions to strengthen oversight and ensure continuous training for mobilisation desk officers.
Nafiu also acknowledged internal operational gaps within the NYSC, such as inconsistent application of guidelines, weak inter-departmental coordination, delays in resolving issues and excessive human interference in automated processes.
“These gaps reduce institutional efficiency and gradually erode public trust,” he said.
He assured that the management is committed to enforcing standard operating procedures, strengthening collaboration, improving monitoring mechanisms and promoting professionalism and ethical conduct across all levels.
On technology and data management, Nafiu noted that despite progress in digital mobilisation, challenges such as poor data quality, limited technical skills, resistance to automation and weak feedback systems persist.
“Technology should be an enabler of service delivery, not a source of frustration,” he said, calling for sustained capacity building, regular system audits and minimal human interference in automated processes.
He also identified gaps in stakeholder coordination and communication as factors contributing to avoidable bottlenecks, stressing the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, regular review meetings and data-driven decision-making.
Looking ahead, Nafiu said the mobilisation process must be repositioned to be efficient, transparent, accountable and people-focused.
“This means delivering timely and accurate outcomes, free from undue influence, with clear accountability for actions and inactions, while remaining responsive to the needs of prospective corps members and stakeholders,” he said.
He added that achieving this would require a collective shift from routine compliance to a culture of service excellence.
Nafiu urged participants to see the workshop as an avenue for honest dialogue, practical solutions and measurable reforms, noting that the credibility of the NYSC largely depends on the integrity of its mobilisation process.
“The mobilisation process is the first promise we make to every young Nigerian who answers the call to serve, and it must never be broken,” he said.
In her remarks, the Director of the Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Racheal Idaewor, described the workshop as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration between the NYSC, CPIs and other stakeholders.
She said the engagement reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to improving mobilisation processes and sustaining stakeholder confidence.
Idaewor noted that Information and Communication Technology remains one of the NYSC’s greatest strengths, despite the challenges it presents, adding that effective use of digital tools and advanced data management systems would further streamline mobilisation.
She urged Student Affairs Officers to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that data submitted accurately reflects the profiles of prospective corps members.