By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has tasked Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Schedule Officers of the Scheme to strengthen data integrity, improve monitoring systems, and enhance evaluation frameworks in order to boost effective service delivery.
The charge was delivered during the 2026 edition of the NYSC Planning, Research and Statistics Schedule Officers’ Workshop held in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, the Director-General emphasised that accurate and timely data remain critical to sound policy formulation and effective decision-making within the Scheme.
Nafiu, whose address was delivered by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Chief Chinwendu Chukwu, described the workshop as an important platform for reflection, knowledge-sharing and strategic repositioning aimed at improving service delivery across the Scheme.
According to him, officers assigned PRS responsibilities must be equipped with the required skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties, stressing that the NYSC management will continue to prioritise capacity building through training programmes and incentives.
He urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to sharpen their competencies and develop innovative approaches that would support the seamless execution of their responsibilities.
“As PRS Schedule Officers, you are custodians of the Scheme’s records and archival materials at State Secretariats. You must safeguard these facilities with a high sense of responsibility,” Nafiu said.
He further described PRS officers as the think tank of the Scheme and encouraged them to engage actively in research initiatives capable of advancing the ideals and operational efficiency of the NYSC.
The Director-General also reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC management to strengthening research initiatives, promoting inter-departmental collaboration, and ensuring the full integration of PRS functions into the Scheme’s broader strategic framework.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment that promotes optimal performance and operational efficiency. All PRS Officers are therefore enjoined to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive in the discharge of their duties,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Nura Umar, noted that the workshop aligns with the policy thrust of the Director-General aimed at building a resilient workforce within the Scheme.
Umar explained that the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Skills for PRS Officers for Improved Service Delivery,” highlights the importance of effective tracking and evaluation of NYSC programmes to guarantee operational efficiency.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop in improving their performance in assigned duties, noting that experts had been invited to deliver lectures designed to strengthen the professional capacity of the officers.
The workshop attracted PRS Schedule Officers from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
