By Momodu Becky
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commenced preparations for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ mobilisation with the opening of a pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Institutional Accountability, Data Integrity and Digital Innovation for Seamless NYSC Mobilisation,” is aimed at strengthening the mobilisation process and ensuring that eligible Nigerian graduates are mobilised in a credible, transparent and timely manner.
Declaring the workshop open, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the Scheme was strengthening its mobilisation systems to meet growing expectations for efficient, transparent and technology-driven public service delivery.
Nafiu urged institutions and officers involved in the mobilisation process to take full ownership of their responsibilities, adhere strictly to approved procedures and remain accountable for their decisions and actions.
He warned that inaccurate records, unauthorised alteration of data, delayed responses and failure to meet established timelines could negatively affect the mobilisation of graduates and undermine the credibility of the Scheme.
The NYSC Director-General also called on stakeholders to improve their digital competence and cybersecurity awareness, protect institutional databases and embrace responsible innovation.
He stressed that the Scheme would not tolerate negligence, manipulation of records, abuse of process or other practices capable of compromising the integrity of the mobilisation system.
Nafiu further urged Corps-producing institutions to strengthen their internal quality assurance mechanisms before transmitting graduates’ data to the NYSC.
According to him, the credibility of the mobilisation exercise depends largely on the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of data received from institutions and other stakeholders.
He said the NYSC’s objective was to leverage technology to simplify processes, eliminate bottlenecks, reduce turnaround time and improve the experience of prospective Corps Members.
The NYSC boss described mobilisation as a shared responsibility, calling for stronger information sharing, open communication and prompt escalation of anomalies among stakeholders.
He noted that weaknesses in one part of the mobilisation process could affect the entire value chain.
Also speaking, the Director, Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Rachel Idaewor, urged stakeholders to strictly comply with the approved mobilisation timeline as preparations for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course gather momentum.
Idaewor called for improved verification of graduates’ data before submission and stronger institutional controls to minimise errors and prevent fraudulent practices.
She also advocated the deployment of technology to automate routine processes while ensuring appropriate oversight, compliance with national regulations and adherence to global best practices.
The workshop is expected to further strengthen coordination among Corps-producing institutions and other stakeholders ahead of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ mobilisation exercise.
