By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance its mobilisation process. He made the statement on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja, with the theme: “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process through Improved Technology and Collaboration with Stakeholders.”
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC is intensifying efforts to deploy more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to strengthen the integrity and efficiency of its mobilisation operations.
General Nafiu explained that in response to growing threats and cyberattacks on the Scheme’s systems, the NYSC will continue to train its mobilisation officers in data verification, error resolution, cybersecurity, and emergency response. “The number of threats and attacks on our mobilisation system increases daily,” he said, stressing the need for robust digital infrastructure and improved staff capacity.
He stated that reforming the mobilisation process has become imperative due to the evolving societal and institutional environment. “We at NYSC recognize that by leveraging technology, forging stronger partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and deploying relevant skills, we can boost efficiency, enhance the experience of both prospective and serving Corps Members, and maintain the Scheme’s role in national development,” he said.
The Director General urged NYSC partners and Corps-producing institutions to expedite the adoption of modern technologies to improve collaboration and ensure the accuracy of graduate data submissions. “Let us not betray that trust. Let us jointly commit to prioritizing integrity over expediency, innovating for efficiency, and collaborating for national progress,” he added.
While acknowledging past attempts to modernize the mobilisation process, Nafiu admitted that several challenges remain, including data mismatches, submission of unqualified or part-time graduates, technical glitches that delay operations, and attempts to falsify academic records.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, emphasized the importance of synergy between the NYSC and Corps-producing institutions. He said the workshop was a critical platform for stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve the Scheme’s mobilisation efforts.
While commending the progress made through collaboration, Abubakar raised concern about the persistent problem of institutions uploading unqualified graduates for service. “This process is vital for our nation’s growth, but it is fraught with challenges, especially with dishonest enrollments. We must therefore stay alert and be proactive,” he cautioned.
He further charged participants to approach their responsibilities with diligence and high integrity, ensuring that only accurate and verified information is uploaded for the mobilisation of prospective Corps Members.
The workshop brought together key NYSC officials, representatives of Corps-producing institutions, and other stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for enhancing the Scheme’s mobilisation system through digital innovation and institutional collaboration.