Tinubu Approves Additional 50,000 NYSC Slots for 2026

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Tinubu has approved an extra 50,000 mobilisation slots for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2026 to help clear the backlog of graduates waiting to participate in the mandatory national service.

The announcement came from the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during the inauguration of a remodelled clinic at the NYSC national headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The event marked one year since he assumed office.

Nafiu explained that the approval responds to growing concerns over delays in mobilisation due to the rising number of eligible graduates from Nigerian universities and other institutions.

“In response to the agitation over long waits for mobilisation, Mr President graciously approved an additional 50,000 mobilisation slots in the 2026 budget,” Nafiu said.

With this addition, the NYSC aims to mobilise around 418,000 corps members in 2026, a significant increase aimed at reducing waiting times and expanding access to the scheme.

The Director-General praised the federal government for listening to citizens’ concerns and acting quickly. He noted that the NYSC, established in 1973, has grown steadily and continues to play a key role in national integration and youth development.

The remodelled clinic was upgraded as part of efforts to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency at the headquarters.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who performed the inauguration, commended Nafiu’s leadership and described the past year as one of impactful reforms within the scheme.

This development is expected to bring relief to thousands of graduates who have completed their studies but faced delays in being called up for service. Further details on implementation, including batch schedules, are expected from the NYSC in due course.