NYSC: Brig Gen OO Nafiu’s scorecard of achievements as he marks one year as Director-General

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig. General OO Nafiu has completed one year in office as of Friday, March 6, 2027.

During his one-year tenure in office, the NYSC DG has made some remarkable achievements in the scheme to improve the lives of staff and members of the NYSC.

The DG, who is the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, took over the office on the 6th of March, 2025, and to date has worked collectively with his team to reposition the Scheme for greater impact and relevance, driven by the core values of discipline, excellence and service to the nation.

As he marks one year in office, the DG shared the progress he and his team have made, the challenges they have overcome, and their vision for the future of NYSC.

Upon assuming office on 6th March, 2025, the DG articulated a clear vision for the NYSC, centered on three pillars: transparent leadership, robust corps welfare, and a focus on job creation initiatives.

This was followed by a policy thrust that is aimed at “strengthening the NYSC Scheme to better meet the evolving needs of contemporary Nigerian society and ensure its future relevance”, and four focal points as follows:

a. Enhanced security and welfare of Corps members and staff
b. Fostering patriotism and boosting Corps members’ personal growth and contribution to national development.
c. Building a resilient workforce.
d. Promoting strategic communication.

Brig. Gen. Nafiu’s key achievements:
Under his leadership, NYSC has made significant strides in enhancing corps members and staff welfare, operational efficiency, and national development focus on transparent leadership, robust Corps welfare, and job creation initiatives has yielded tangible results.

Here are some key achievements:
A. Welfare and Staff Development: Secured a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus to enhance staff and Corps Members’ transportation and improve welfare. Successful conduct of the 2025 Promotion Exercise, ensuring career progression and staff motivation.

While no fewer than 696 senior and 139 junior staff were promoted in 2025, 173 members of staff also got approval for conversion to different cadres and salary grade levels.

Prompt payment of disengagement allowances for retired staff as post- service welfare. Over 168 staff were paid various sums under this category.

Facilitated the approval of the implementation of peculiar allowance for staff with effect from January, 2026.

Recognition and Awards:
During the year under review, the NYSC won the following awards: Best supporting Chief Executive (2025) by SERVICOM National Office. Best Performing SERVICOM Unit (Parastatal), Team ‘A’, at the SERVICOM Presidency’s 2025 Annual End-of-Year Award Meeting. Most Compliant Public Sector on Data Protection (Federal) by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) – February, 2026.

Hosting of President’s NYSC National Honours Award: The combined President’s NYSC Honours Award ceremony for the years 2020- 2023, aimed at recognising outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, took place in July, 2025. Accordingly, as part of the awards, the 210 awardees (ex-Corps Members) were given automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service by the Federal Government.

Operational Efficiency and Partnerships: Successful conduct of recruitment exercise to address manpower needs and enhance operational efficiency. Eight hundred and fifty (850) new staff have joined the employment of the Scheme through the exercise. Sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, leading to improved support for NYSC programmes and activities nationwide.

Renewed advocacy and strategic engagement with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and some state governments, in furtherance of the objectives and overall interest of the Scheme.

Infrastructure and Resources: Received the donation of two (2) mobile clinics from the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (February, 2026).

Policy and Reform: Processed the approval of the NYSC Scheme of Service (last revised in 199 and the NYSC Conditions of Service (last revised in 2013) by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) for efficient and effective service delivery by the Scheme.

Enhanced Corps Members’ Welfare: Approval of upward review of the amounts for Corps Members’ kit, daily feeding and transport allowances with effect from 2027.

Other Achievements:
Corps Insurance: Prompt payment of insurance for Corps Members. il. Job Creation Initiatives: We have expanded partnerships with private sector organisations, creating job opportunities for Corps Members.

The NYSC SA entrepreneurship programmes have empowered many Corps Members to start their own businesses. National Unity and Integration: Nafiu and his team have fostered sociocultural integration through community development activities, improved and well-packaged NYSC cultural festival in camp, and valuable collaborations to promote mutual understanding and national cohesion.

Innovative Approaches: The Scheme has continued to improve its operations through digital solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the system.

Training and retraining: Apart from regular workshops organised by departments, including pre-mobilisation workshop, pre-orientation workshop, Annual Management Conference (AMC), etc, during which various categories of Schedule Officers converge for training and knowledge sharing, over 936 members of staff participated in seminars, training and workshops put together by reputable organisations across the country.

Strategic Partnerships: The NYSC, under Nafiu, has strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organisations, and NGOs, to drive national development and youth empowerment.

NYSC: Brig Gen OO Nafiu’s scorecard of achievements as he marks one year as Director-General