The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has affirmed its readiness to implement reforms aimed at tackling emerging national challenges and enhancing its contribution to Nigeria’s development.

Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the NYSC, made the statement on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 NYSC Annual Management Conference in Jos, Plateau State.

According to Nafiu, the scheme has matured beyond symbolic nation-building and is now positioned to achieve more direct and measurable impacts on national development.

“The key question we now face is not about relevance, but about deliberate deployment—how this collective energy, skill, and patriotism can be systematically harnessed to address current challenges and create sustainable solutions,” he said.

He emphasized the need for the NYSC to adapt to changing population dynamics, evolving security realities, and advancements in technology.

“Our internal review of the past year has shown that embracing change and continuous growth is essential. Management is therefore committed to reforms that strengthen systems, improve service delivery, and align our operations with present realities,” Nafiu added.

The NYSC DG encouraged conference participants to critically examine operational frameworks, share experiences, and propose innovative ideas to enhance the scheme’s performance and impact.

“The NYSC represents a unique pool of human capital in Nigeria, given its substantial annual intake and the diverse academic and professional backgrounds of young Nigerians,” he noted.

Nafiu also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for their ongoing support for the corps.

Governor Mutfwang, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, praised the NYSC for its significant role in national development. He announced the renovation of the NYSC orientation camp in Mangu Local Government Area and the allocation of additional land to the camp for agricultural activities.

“I have directed the addition of several hectares of land to the NYSC camp for agricultural purposes. With the pace of work at the camp, I am confident that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ orientation exercise will be held successfully here,” the governor said.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was also recognized for his strategic guidance and commitment to advancing the NYSC’s objectives.

The conference, themed “NYSC as a Catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions,” is expected to generate robust discussions and actionable strategies to improve the scheme’s effectiveness nationwide.