Nafiu disclosed that the Scheme mobilised approximately 400,000 prospective Corps members in 2025, but the figure increased to about 450,000 in 2026, representing an additional 50,000 participants.
He made this known while addressing members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The NYSC Director-General projected that the number of graduates mobilised annually could reach between 500,000 and 600,000 within the next three to five years, warning that the rising figures would further increase pressure on the Scheme’s existing facilities.
He stressed that maintaining and upgrading orientation camps was a shared responsibility between the Federal and State Governments, pointing out that the facilities belonged to the respective state governments, which were expected to provide the necessary infrastructure and support.
The Director-General revealed that the NYSC was already engaging state governments to encourage them to expand existing facilities and tackle accommodation shortages in their various camps.
He added that the increasing number of prospective Corps members had made it necessary for the Scheme to reassess its planning strategies and introduce improved arrangements to manage future mobilisation exercises.
Nafiu said the NYSC had drawn important lessons from previous orientation programmes and would make more comprehensive preparations to accommodate the anticipated growth in the number of participants.
He also praised state governments that had taken steps to improve facilities in their orientation camps, expressing confidence that stronger cooperation between the different levels of government would produce lasting improvements.
The NYSC boss apologised to Corps members over the accommodation difficulties and discomfort experienced at the Ogun State camp, assuring them that the Scheme would continue working with relevant authorities to improve their welfare.
Beyond camp facilities, Nafiu urged the Corps members to uphold patriotism, discipline and national unity throughout their service year.
He particularly warned against the misuse of social media to circulate false information, encourage division or promote activities capable of threatening the country’s unity.
According to him, educated young Nigerians should use their knowledge, skills and influence to promote peace, national development and a prosperous society.
He encouraged the Corps members to see their service year as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the country, regardless of their professional qualifications or places of primary assignment.
The Director-General urged them to approach their responsibilities with dedication, selflessness and a strong sense of duty, whether posted to schools, hospitals, engineering establishments, agricultural centres or other critical sectors.
He further reminded them that the NYSC programme was established to develop responsible citizens and prepare young Nigerians for leadership, urging them to leave positive impacts on their host communities.
Nafiu appreciated the Corps members for their patience and understanding, reaffirming the Scheme’s commitment to improving their overall service experience.
Adewuyi, the camp coordinator, explained that 3,834 of the registered participants were originally deployed to Ogun State, while the remaining 481, who were posted to Lagos State, had been temporarily accommodated in Ogun for the orientation programme.
Adewuyi stated that the Corps members deployed to Lagos would proceed to their respective places of primary assignment in the state after completing the orientation exercise.
She also disclosed that security personnel had been strategically deployed within and around the camp to protect Corps members, camp officials and visitors throughout the programme.
The coordinator added that electricity and water supply had remained efficient, helping to create a comfortable environment and encouraging active participation in the various activities scheduled for the orientation exercise.
She further revealed that work was ongoing on an additional hostel block at the camp, a project expected to increase accommodation capacity and improve facilities for Corps members attending future orientation programmes.
