The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it will make its orientation course and service year more inclusive for corps members with disabilities.
The scheme said it will adopt clear steps, so these members get fair treatment and full support during mobilisation, orientation and placement.
The Director‑General of NYSC, Brigadier‑General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known on Wednesday at the opening of a 2026 pre‑orientation workshop in Jos. He said the changes focus on dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all members, regardless of disability.
Nafiu said the new approach goes beyond compliance with rules. He said the aim is to make sure the scheme treats members with disabilities with respect and fairness throughout their service year.
He spoke at an event where NYSC officials and partners met to plan improvements in how orientation courses are run. The workshop theme was “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service”.
The DG said the orientation course is the first major step in a corps member’s service year. He said it is where members build teamwork, learn new skills and confirm their place in national service. The focus on inclusion, he said, will help all members start their service year with confidence.
Plans discussed at the workshop include improved camp management strategies, sessions for stakeholder collaboration, and practical training modules for skills that help corps members after service.
Participants were urged to share ideas that can be turned into actions to strengthen the orientation exercise.
Nafiu said the NYSC wants to match its programmes with global best practices and the changing needs of Nigerian youth. He said the scheme must adapt to serve all members well and prepare them for life after service.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the pre‑orientation workshop began on January 13 and will run until January 16, 2026. The sessions are expected to produce plans that help the NYSC deepen its inclusion goals across camps nationwide.
The NYSC initiative aligns with broader calls for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in national programmes. It also builds on existing commitments by the scheme to treat all corps members equally and support their success during and after service.
