NYSC DG Warns Corps Members Against Absconding from National Service

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned corps members against abandoning the national service programme, urging them to remain committed throughout the mandatory one-year exercise.

Nafiu gave the warning while addressing members of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One at orientation camps in Ogun and Oyo states, according to official statements from the scheme.

During his visits, the NYSC boss commended the corps members for reporting promptly for orientation and encouraged them to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the service year.

He also advised them to manage their finances wisely, stressing that developing good financial habits would be beneficial both during and after their service period.

Nafiu further urged corps members to respect the traditions, customs and cultures of their host communities, while maintaining discipline and good conduct at all times.

He encouraged them to be punctual, resourceful and compliant with the operational guidelines of their places of primary assignment once posted.

The NYSC, established in 1973, was designed to promote national unity and integration by deploying graduates to states outside their places of origin for community service and work experience. Participation remains compulsory for eligible Nigerian graduates, except those legally exempted.

In Ogun State, the NYSC coordinator, Olayinka Nasamu, reported that 3,341 corps members were registered at the orientation camp, including 975 initially deployed to Lagos State but redirected to Ogun.

Nasamu noted that the corps members had displayed responsible behaviour since camp activities began and had adjusted well to the regimented orientation environment. She also stated that camp officials were carrying out their duties effectively.

Similarly, in Oyo State, the NYSC coordinator, Kayode Ola-Peters, disclosed that 3,068 corps members were registered at the camp. He said participants had actively engaged in activities and showed readiness to contribute meaningfully to national development.

NYSC officials regularly use orientation camp visits to remind corps members of their obligations and the importance of complying with service regulations. Offences such as absconding, refusal of posting and misconduct attract sanctions under the scheme’s guidelines.

In recent years, the NYSC has introduced initiatives such as the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to enhance the relevance of the service year by providing vocational and entrepreneurial training opportunities.

Orientation camps nationwide continue to focus on physical training, civic education, leadership development and national integration before corps members are deployed to their primary assignments.

The NYSC leadership has reiterated that completion of the service year remains mandatory for eligible participants, in line with the objectives of national unity and youth development.